Nightjar Festival sets 2024 return after Covid-interrupted years

A popular Torquay festival has announced its return, after disappearing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Popular Torquay festival Nightjar will return next year, after the Covid-19 pandemic spelled the end of it in 2020. Founder and event director Lyndelle Flintoff. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

A popular Torquay festival has announced its return, after disappearing amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nightjar Festival organisers declared the triumphant return of the much-loved event, which was last held at the start of 2020, before the pandemic took hold and events across the Geelong region and state were put on hold indefinitely.

Founder and event director Lyndelle Flintoft said it was a “big process” to get the festival up and running again, set to return in January, 2024.

She said the team of seven returning members spent four years deciding if and when the event could come back.

“We’re super excited, and even more excited from the response,” Ms Flintoft said.

“It was very difficult at the start when Covid hit, and all event companies fell over pretty much.

“All of our staff and our office – we lost it all, it felt like within 24 hours, so it was very difficult.

“It feels really nice to be able to come back.”

With more announcements about the event’s return set to come out over the next month, Ms Flintoft said it was an emotional time.

“The whole structure and concept of Nightjar is changing, which we’ll be releasing soon,” she said.

“It’s really exciting, what we’re able to offer this year.

“It’s Nightjar but different. Watch this space.”

Ms Flintoft said Nightjar was about connecting community, with the hosts excited to introduce new Surf Coast residents to the event, and welcome back past patrons.

For more information visit nightjarfestival.com.au/ or follow @nightjarfestival on Instagram.

Originally published as Nightjar Festival sets 2024 return after Covid-interrupted years