Lorne loses iconic Falls Festival as organisers reveal 2022-23 plans

While some are mourning the “end of an era” as Falls Festival relocates from Lorne next year, the region’s tourism leaders say the move could be a big win. Here’s why.

Lorne has lost its iconic Falls Festival, with organisers announcing the music festival will instead be held at Pennyroyal Plains near Birregurra.

The festival which was founded in Lorne, will be relocated after 27 years, however Great Ocean Read Regional Tourism general manager Liz Price said the move was “still a win for the region.”

“It is a good thing, the inland location is great for getting some dispersal,” she said.

Angus and Julia Stone at Falls in Lorne in 2017. Picture: Nicole Cleary

“People will still go down to Lorne, Deans Marsh and maybe even Torquay and Anglesea.

“Being inland may benefit more people.”

On social media, Lorne residents gave mixed reviews with one man calling it the “end of an era.”

“A huge part of old Lorne’s identity gone, such great memories and so many great achievements over the years,” one wrote.

Meanwhile some locals celebrated the news stating, “traffic jams are about all Lorne will lose.”

Lorne Falls Festival

Festival producers Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco confirmed on Thursday this year’s festival will be cancelled but assured the public they will instead return in summer of 2022-23.

“It has been a privilege to operate Falls Festival in such beautiful locations and we’re so thankful to the Surf Coast Shire and supporting stakeholders of Lorne who have shown Falls Festival such incredible support over the years,” they said.

Lorne Falls Festival: New Year’s Eve 2017. Revellers seeing in the New Year with Run the Jewells. Picture- Nicole Cleary

“Lorne is where Falls Festival started so we want to give a particularly special shout out to the locals there.

“You have been instrumental in making the festival all that it is today.”

They said the new location, 30 minutes from the previous Lorne site, had been used as an event location before.

“The space is truly special. We fell in love with its gentle topography and sweeping open spaces, which has created the opportunity for Falls to transform its new landscape into a deeper and more immersive festival experience,” they said.

John Farnham performing at Falls Festival in Lorne. Picture: Ian Laidlaw

Colac Otway Shire Mayor Hanson welcomed the festival’s relocation.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Falls Festival to Colac Otway Shire for 2022/2023 and showcase our beautiful region to the musicians, event organisers, media and audience who will attend the three-day event,” she said.

“It will bring a much-welcomed boost to the local economy and a nice escape from the pressures of the last couple of years for music lovers near and far.”

The line-up has not yet been announced.

Originally published as Lorne loses iconic Falls Festival as organisers reveal 2022-23 plans