Gemfest cancelled for 2021 due to Covid outbreak

“Tourism was booming out here and we were really excited, especially after having to cancel last year”: Organisers regretfully cancel iconic Central Queensland event for the second time.

Organisers have cancelled the 2021 Gemfest Festival of Gems due to the latest covid lockdowns.

Event organisers have sadly cancelled one of the region’s biggest tourism events of the year, for the second year in a row.

Event co-ordinator Dylan Gospel said the decision to cancel 2021 Gemfest Festival of Gems, was a difficult one.

“Trying to decide on cancelling something the region relies on is tough,” he said.

“You have people’s personal opinions but you also have to put health and safety first.

“It was tough trying to make that call but we did what we think it was the right one.”

The event was expected to be held at Anakie on August 12-15, bigger and better than ever after having to cancel in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic and restrictions.

“We were really hopeful to go ahead this year,” he said.

“Tourism was booming out here and we were really excited, especially after having to cancel last year.”

Gemfest is an iconic Central Queensland festival.

The show was set to launch on Thursday with a dazzling array of gems and jewels, live entertainment, market and food stalls and a Rainbow Day event.

Although, “with the community and public health in mind”, the Gemfest committee decided that it was safest to cancel the event.

“Our thoughts go out to all of the businesses and individuals who rely on events like Gemfest,” the official announcement read.

“From traders to entertainers, we recognise all of the hard work that goes into preparation for these events, for some it is their whole livelihood.

“We extend our hearts to you all through these difficult times of cancellations and unknowns.”

Mr Gospel wanted to thank everyone who had been involved, including traders, local or not, sponsors, entertainers and the general public.

“Anyone who worked to put it together, it can’t happen without the support of everybody,” he said.

“We’re really thankful for everyone’s help, including those who were just planning to come along and support the event.

“Whether it was going to be your first Gemfest or you have been since the beginning, we thank you greatly for your support and hope to celebrate with you in 2022.”

Mr Gospel said the committee had all intentions of producing a 2022 event, bigger and better than ever, when it was safe to do so.