WA bushfires force music fest to cancel

There has been an outpouring of support from music fans after Western Australian festival Southbound was cancelled because of nearby bushfires.

The three-day music festival in Perth's south was due to begin on Friday but had to be shut down as fires restricted access to the area.

"Feeling really bad for @SouthboundWA!! What a year for Australian music festivals!!" Jamie Azzopardi tweeted.

"Right call by #Southbound organisers - in spite of hard work/disappointment, safety paramount. My thoughts all affected by #WaroonaFire," Rania Ghandour tweeted.

Festival director David Chitty said everyone on site was "absolutely devastated" by the decision to cancel the event.

"After ongoing communications and information provided from the West Australian Police, Main Roads Department and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, we have no option but to cancel this year's event. We cannot compromise patron safety and proceed knowing people's lives are at risk getting to the event," a statement on the festival's website says.

"Everyone on site is absolutely devastated as we were working so hard to bring the best Southbound yet.

"Please understand at this time we will be extremely busy dealing with the cancellation and our thoughts are with those in danger due to the nearby fire."

Organisers assured fan refunds would be given, with information to be released on January 13.

Some revellers hoped festival headliners, including Weird Al Yankovic, Bloc Party and Foals, would still play at different venues.

"Since #SouthboundFestival is cancelled due to Waroona #Bushfire, please @foals make a surprise gig in #Perth!" Stephan Eyssautier tweeted.

"After the loss of #Southbound for uncontrollable events, lets get a side show going so Perth isn't completely let down!" Reece Dozo tweeted.

The fire has been ravaging Waroona, Harvey and surrounding areas, including Preston Beach, in Western Australia's Peel and South West regions, since Wednesday.