Bleach* Festival organisers have been forced to cancel the iconic event because of Covid-19 situation across south east Queensland
An iconic and hugely popular Gold Coast festival has been cancelled at the last minute after organisers were unable to restructure event. READ MORE
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THE Gold Coast's iconic BLEACH* festival, set to run from August 12-22, has been cancelled due to "recent Covid-19 developments across south east Queensland".
Festival director Rosie Dennis said: “While today’s announcement is devastating for our community and industry, we find ourselves operating within a challenging set of circumstances at an improbable time”.
“The 10th Bleach* Festival was ambitious in its vision, and ready to grapple with our complex relationship to place and identity. This kind of vision can only be realised with extraordinary artists, an extraordinary team, and extraordinary local champions by our side.
“Thanks to everyone – our artists and creatives, crew, suppliers, partners, sponsors and donors – who helped us get this far. Here’s to the next 10 years of Bleach*.”
Ticket holders are currently being contacted to issue refunds.
Chairman of Bleach* Tony Hickey said the Covid-19 concerns and affected south east Queensland had left the Board of Placemakers* Gold Coast Pty Ltd with no other option than to cancel the festival scheduled to commence next week.
“This is despite the extraordinary efforts of our CEO Rosie Dennis and her team to do what has proved impossible and that is to bring together our Gold Coast community and to give them joy through the Bleach* Festival, whilst still respecting the health of our community.
“The Board thanks Rosie and her team for their non-stop work and commitment all year to deliver what would have been an amazing festival and will guarantee that when given the clear sky will be the best festival in the land.”
Iconic Coast festival’s ‘difficult decision’ to cancel popular series
July 22, 2021
ONE of the Gold Coast’s best-known arts festivals has cancelled one of its most popular events, with organisers saying it was an “extremely difficult decision”.
It was announced on Wednesday afternoon that Bleach* Festival’s popular open air outdoor events — the Botanic Gardens Concert Series — have been cancelled.
To be held from August 13-15, the events are known to be an “immersive musical experience” held under the night sky.
“It’s with a heavy heart that today we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel one part of Bleach* 2021 …,” wrote organisers on social media.
“This extremely difficult decision comes after careful consultation between organisers, artists and health authorities, particularly in regards to interstate lockdowns and travel restrictions.
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“The concerts featured jazz legends The Necks, ARIA and J-Award winner Sarah Blasko, The Song Company and musicians from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
“Rest assured, we’re marching on with every intention to deliver the best possible festival for your and we’re excited that our opening event First Light, on August 12, is only a matter of days away.
“It’s free, fantastic and we hope to see your there.”
Starting on August 12, the theme for this years iconic Bleach* Festival is Listen To Your Heart, with Placemakers* Gold Coast CEO and artistic director Rosie Dennis saying organisers had created a program of experiences that reflects “our contemporary Gold Coast”.
“The festival launches at dawn on 12 August with First Light. If you missed this event last year, I encourage you to rug up and join us on the sands at Burleigh Heads as soul diva Emma Donovan sings up the sun on the 10th BLEACH* Festival. It will be magic,” said Ms Dennis.
“The closing of the Festival will be magic too, as Rick Roser and Kristian Baggerson create a powerful image with fire and candlelight on the coastline at dusk. This is one to brings the kids and grandkids along to.
“The rest of our Burleigh program features some cracking artists including the legendary Briggs. We’re also hosting three delectable feasts with dishes prepared by some of South East Queensland’s finest culinary minds, including Dale Chapman, Brenda Fawdon and home chefs from Lebanon, Eritrea and Syria.
“There is a stack of new work commissions from outstanding Queensland artists, including Justene Williams, Kevin O’Brien, Vanessa Tomlinson & Lawrence English, Vernon Ah Kee, The Farm and Gogi Dance Collective. You can catch a number of these as part of our Southport program.
“And finally, I invite you and your friends to join us in a wonderful small concert series performed in four fabulous sheds in and around Mudgeeraba. Definitely one not to be missed.
“A huge thanks to the City of Gold Coast for their continued commitment to arts and culture in our fine city and for supporting BLEACH*. And a special mention to our longstanding partner Burleigh Brewing, who has been with us for 10 years.”
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