Hobart Summer festival 2021 axed before debut
Another summer festival has been knocked off the social calendar, with organisers slamming Tasmania’s restrictions surrounding dancing. WHY IT WAS CANCELLED >>
Tasmania
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A new Hobart music festival has been cancelled before it could make its New Years debut, less than a week after the permanent cancellation of the Marion Bay Falls Festival.
Hobart Summer was set to liven up the Hobart Regatta Grounds from December 26 until January 2.
The event, organised by Vandemonian Touring, had promised to fill the gaps left behind from other cancelled events over New Years.
In an open letter, the organisers said the festival was being cancelled due to Covid restrictions.
“With ongoing restrictions, uncertainty and very little clarity on the immediate future
for events, Hobart Summer has become untenable for all involved including the artists, punters
and our team,” a spokeswoman for Vandemonian Touring said in the letter.
The letter outlined frustrations around restrictions around dancing.
“People are back dancing and enjoying live music all over the country...except in Tasmania,” the spokeswoman said.
“Some artists have therefore been presented with opportunities to play shows in mainland cities to fans who are able to dance and enjoy the full live music experience without restrictions around dancing, standing with a drink or being forced to sit on a seat.
“We don’t think it is fair to subject Tasmanians to another seated show, when the rest of the country is dancing.”
The festival was set to be headlined by Australian electronic band, The Presets.
“To allow only 250 people to be dancing or vertical drinking at a 4000 capacity event is unreasonable, illogical and untenable,” the spokeswoman said.
“Therefore, we understand and support The Presets decision to play shows on the mainland and to not perform in a restricted environment at this time.”
The cancellation comes five days after the Marion Bay Falls Festival was axed due to concerns it was not financially viable.
Tourism, hospitality and events minister Sarah Courtney acknowledged the pandemic had impacted the industry.
“The Tasmanian Government has been working closely with event organisers to support them through challenges posed by COVID-19, and we recognise it is disappointing when they are unable to go ahead,” Ms Courtney said.
“We will continue to follow Public Health advice and engage closely with the events and hospitality sector to ensure the safety of all Tasmanians.”
A Department of Public Health spokesman said it was not known when social distancing measures would ease.
“We cannot pre-empt outcomes of future reviews and adjustments,” he said.
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