Popular SA music festival Harvest Rock cancels 2024 show

Music fans have been dealt a fresh blow after organisers of a major festival made the “difficult decision” to cancel their 2024 show.

In the latest blow for Aussie music lovers, popular South Australian music festival Harvest Rock has announced the cancellation of its 2024 show.

In a statement posted to social media on Friday afternoon, the festival’s organisers said they had made the “difficult decision” to cancel the event this year but would work to keep it alive in the future.

“Hey Harvest Rockers and lovers of live music, wine, food and brew, we’ve been working hard to make Harvest Rock III another incredible event, however we have made the difficult decision to not hold the festival in 2024,” the statement reads.

“We appreciate the ongoing support of the South Australian Government and we look forward to Harvest Rock in the future.

“For our dedicated fans who bought early tickets in 2023 you will automatically be refunded through the original point of purchase within 14 days.”

Harvest Rock has cancelled its 2024 event, but organises have expressed hope it will return again in the future. Picture: Instagram

The annual two-day family-friendly event is held in October in Adelaide.

In 2022, international pop icons Jamiroquai and Beck headlined the festival alongside Australian music legend Paul Kelly and New Zealand rock icons Crowded House.

Fans of the festival reacted with shock and dismay to the announcement.

“Devastating,” one wrote on social media.

“This is a brilliant festival that’s so good for Adelaide! Another one bites the dust.”

Another fan said he had travelled interstate in 2023 for the event.

“Was just so so awesome last year, travelled all the way from Northern NSW,” he wrote.

“Hopefully it’s on again soon because I would love to come back.”

Harvest Rock is the latest music festival to crumble in a dark year for local music.

Perth’s Promise Village festival was cancelled in July just five days after tickets went on sale, while Splendour in the Grass, one of Australia’s biggest musical outings, was cancelled in March.

Aussie music fans soak up Splendour in the Grass in 2023. Australia’s festival scene has been walloped by cancellations in 2024. Picture: Danielle Smith / NewsWire

Radical Tasmanian festival Dark Mofo was punted to 2025.

“After 10 years of darkness, and in preparation for 10 more, Dark Mofo is pausing in 2024 for a period of renewal,” the organisers said in September 2023.

“Since Dark Mofo’s inception back in 2013, the festival has felt the weight of shifting conditions and the burden of escalating costs.

“While 2023 left an indelible mark, it also exacted its toll, prompting the decision to pause, reflect and plan out a more sustainable future.”

“We will return – whole and bountiful – in 2025.”

Originally published as Popular SA music festival Harvest Rock cancels 2024 show