Jovanotti concert in Barletta canceled over asbestos discovery

The Jova Summer Party concert, scheduled for August 17 in Barletta, Italy, has been canceled after a small piece of asbestos was found at the former paper mill venue. The discovery by the Puglia regional environmental protection agency (Arpa) prompted the local health authority (Asl Bat) to declare the site unfit for the 33,000 expected attendees.

Organizers, Trident Concert, explained that the former paper mill was chosen in November as part of Jovanotti's tour in southern Italy. However, concerns about asbestos in a nearby storage area arose in June, leading to an initial inspection that found no issues. Trident's CEO, Maurizio Salvadori, hired an independent company, which detected asbestos on the factory's side and rear, though reportedly far from the public area.

Despite this, a recent Arpa survey at the site's entrance revealed the asbestos fragment. Health officials cited the risk of toxic fibers being released into the air if disturbed by the crowd. Trident Concert is now searching for an alternative venue in Bari for September 19 and assured fans that tickets can be reused or refunded.