NSW cancels Schools Spectacular 2021 due to Covid restrictions

The NSW government has cancelled the Schools Spectacular variety show in an already “challenging year” for the creative and performing arts.

The annual Schools Spectacular variety event has been cancelled for another year with the NSW Government announcing the Covid restrictions make it “impossible” to stage the show.

It is the second year the show has been cancelled.

The 2021 show was scheduled for November 19 and 20.

It’s the second year the spectacular has been cancelled. Picture: Justin Lloyd

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said the funds that would usually be used to put on the Schools Spectacular will be diverted into school based arts programs.

“I know for the thousands of student performers, teaching and support staff involved in this extraordinary event this news will come as a blow in an already challenging year for the creative and performing arts,” Ms Mitchell said.

“However, we are determined to ensure the students and staff who have already given up so much time have the opportunity to showcase their work, while also providing a statewide injection of funds into arts education.”

The Arts Recovery Program will help schools rebuild their arts faculties ahead of the return to face-to-face learning.

The event was set to take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in November. Picture:Justin Lloyd

Public schools will be eligible for grants up to $10,000 to cover equipment, tuition for students or professional development for teachers.

“School arts programs have been heavily impacted by the Covid restrictions on singing and playing instruments, and rules around physical distancing, excursions and non-essential staff on school sites,” Ms Mitchell said.

The School Spectacular has been running since 1984 and in the past has features 2300 dancers, a combined choir of 2500, an 80-piece full symphony orchestra and a 25 piece stage band in a single night.

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