The Off List: Adelaide events cancelled by Covid – and for other reasons – this summer
We’ve updated our list of summer events and festivals canned by Covid – although it’s not the only reason some were delayed or dumped. See the list.
SA News
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The state’s Covid outbreak has led to the cancellation of several summer events around SA – but it’s not the only reason for the axing or postponement of some of our popular festivals.
See our list below and tell us if we’ve missed any.
Full Tilt Adelaide
Was scheduled for Saturday January 29, Adelaide Showgrounds.
An alternate music festival has been cancelled, with organisers saying it would not push forward with the event because it has “zero confidence” in the SA government.
Organisers of the Full Tilt Festival – which was set to host acts including Northlane, In Hearts Wake and Thy Art is Murder – said they could not make the event work on current density restrictions and outdoor gathering limitations.
Event promoter Chris O’Brien said the event could not run in a seated format.
“We simply can’t run Full Tilt in a seated format, and a postponement into a time where we have zero confidence in the state government to remain true to their word has forced this decision,” Mr O’Brien said.
“We are devastated for the artists, contractors, crew and event staff who will all miss out on the income, many of whom have barely worked since March 2020.”
CELLAR DOOR FEST
Scheduled for February 4-6, Adelaide Convention Centre
One of Adelaide’s most popular wine events has been cancelled because of the escalating Covid crisis.
Organisers of Cellar Door Fest 2022 said on Tuesday they had decided the risk was too high to hold the annual show at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Thousands of wine lovers usually attend the two-day gathering, where dozens of wineries from across the state hold tastings.
In an email to ticket holders, Cellar Door Fest said it was a “difficult decision as we love the Fest as much as you”.
“In light of current restrictions and the ongoing spread of Covid-19, we believe this is right decision,” it said.
“The health and wellbeing of our exhibitors, festivalgoers, partners and staff has always been our priority.
“In the current climate, we would not have been able to deliver the Cellar Door Fest experience this year that you have come to love and expect.”
People who already have paid for tickets will be refunded over the next month.
WINE MACHINE
Was scheduled for December 11, McLaren Vale, rescheduled to March 13, Serafino
The Wine Machine event, which was originally set to run on December 3, was postponed and has now been rescheduled for March 13.
Organisers said tickets had automatically been transferred to the new date, and they were aiming to create the “biggest and best event to date”.
CRUSH FESTIVAL
Was scheduled for late January - Adelaide Hills wineries
Late last year, organisers made the “difficult decision” to pull the pin on the popular food and wine event held annually in the Hills.
Last year’s Crush was also cancelled due to extreme fire danger, and it’s understood the focus will turn to wine festivals throughout 2022 including Chardonnay May and Winter Reds.
However, Howard Vineyard’s Rose and Dumpling Festival on Jan 29 and 30, which was once part of Crush, will be going ahead as a standalone event.
HOMEBREWED FESTIVAL
January 15-17, Adelaide Showground
Renewed Covid restrictions have forced the cancellation of this month’s festival for the second straight year.
Set to be held on January 21-23, the event was axed after rules banning vertical consumption and dancing were brought back in late December.
“We simply can’t run HomeBrewed in a seated format, and a postponement into a time where we would be competing with the beasts that are Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide is simply not viable,” said event director Gareth Lewis.
TUNARAMA
Traditionally late January, Port Lincoln
The iconic Port Lincoln festival has been canned for the second consecutive year, following concerns over rising numbers of Covid-19 cases in the region.
Home of the world famous “tuna toss”, this month’s 60th anniversary festival was also hampered by “totally unworkable” 1 person per 4 sqm capacity limits for indoor events.
BLITZ GOLF
Postponed from January 6-9, Glenelg Golf Club, Links Lady Bay, North Adelaide Golf Club
Covid cases at some of the host clubs have forced the postponement of this week’s Blitz Golf tournament around SA/
Professionals including SA stars Kristalle Blum, Adam Bland, Wade Ormsby and Jack Thompson were set to play alongside celebrities such as Adelaide Crows recruit Jordan Dawson, Port Adelaide’s Ryan Burton, former Power defender Hamish Hartlett and ex-Socceroo Robbie Cornthwaite.
A new date in May is expected for the fast-paced format dubbed golf’s answer to Twenty20 cricket.
FAITH NO MORE
Scheduled for February 21, Adelaide Entertainment Centre
US band Faith No More cancelled next month’s tour of Australia and New Zealand, which was to include Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 21.
“Unfortunately, due to our current challenges, we aren’t going to be ready to perform,” it said in a statement.
The band previously cancelled its US tour, with singer Mike Patton citing mental health reasons which had been “exacerbated by the pandemic”.
CITY OF WEST TORRENS SUMMER FESTIVAL
Was to start January 15
This popular program of events and face-to-face school holiday activites has been cancelled due to concerns around the increase of Covid-19 cases and the increasing restrictions.
In its place with be a family-style weekend of events, scheduled for April 1-3. Stay tuned for more details.
Join the conversation
Channel 7’s cheeky dig as Fox Footy moves on bizarre ban
An email has been sent to Fox Footy commentators announcing a “reversal” of a controversial nicknames ban – as 7AFL has a crack. What do you think?
Read more
Young underpaid employee’s $55k take-down of eastern suburbs cafe
A young underpaid student employee who personally took on a “highly experienced business operator” of an eastern suburbs cafe in an employment tribunal has had a huge win.
Read more