Tourism Commission ‘not aware’ of any impact on Harvest Rock festival after Splendour in the Grass cancelled

The state government has weighed in over fears for SA’s blockbuster music event after its promoter announced the shock cancellation of Splendour in the Grass.

The future of Harvest Rock festival has been put under a cloud after the cancellation of a major NSW music festival — but the state’s tourism body remains optimistic about the event.

On Wednesday, Splendour in the Grass promoter Secret Sounds, which is also behind Harvest Rock, Spilt Milk and Heaps Good, announced this year’s event had been cancelled “due to unexpected events”.

Secret Sounds also organises New Year’s festival Falls, which took a year off in 2023 after almost three decades.

The event usually takes place every July at the North Byron Parklands in the northern rivers region of NSW, with previous headline acts including OutKast, Florence and the Machine, Queens of the Stone Age and Kendrick Lamar.

Last year’s Harvest Rock festival was deemed a roaring success – but its future is now under a cloud. Picture: Emma Brasier

Secret Sounds co-CEOs Jessica Ducrou and Paul Pittico said they were “heartbroken” to be cancelling Splendour in the Grass for 2024 and “hoped to be back in the future”.

“We know there were many fans excited for this year’s line-up and all the great artists planning to join us, but due to unexpected events we’ll be taking the year off,” Secret Sounds said in a statement.

The move has raised concerns over whether SA’s Harvest Rock Festival – which has drawn impressive crowds in its first two years – would be the next victim of the seemingly flailing festival market.

However, the South Australian Tourism Commission said there was no indication the state government-backed festival would be impacted by Splendour in the Grass’s cancellation.

“Harvest Rock has generated positive outcomes for the state in its first two years, including in 2023, injecting $18 million into the South Australian economy with 35 per cent of the attendees coming from outside South Australia,” an SATC spokesperson said.

“We are not aware of any impact to Harvest Rock, and will continue working closely with Secret Sounds as the promoter of the event.”

Secret Sounds have faced a number of challenging years since the Covid pandemic forced the music industry to a grinding halt and resulted in ongoing financial challenges.

Last year’s Harvest Rock line-up featured a host of big name artists, including international headliners Jamiroquai and Beck and top Australian acts Paul Kelly, Flight Facilities, Tash Sultana and Adelaide rockers Bad//Dreems.

Secret Sounds has been contacted for comment.