Glenferrie Festival saved after shock cancellation in dramatic trader U-turn

A major Melbourne festival will go ahead despite claims from the president of the traders association — who has since mysteriously left the role — that it had been cancelled because of a rate hike.

Claims that the Glenferrie Festival has been cancelled have been quashed. Picture: Supplied

A major Melbourne festival will go ahead despite repeated claims it had been cancelled in a huge win for traders and the community.

The Glenferrie Traders Association (also known as Glenferrie Road Shopping Centre Association) announced in its Facebook page ‘I Love Glenferrie’ that the Glenferrie Festival was proceeding in 2026, despite “recent commentary”.

“We are committed to supporting our local community and endeavour to produce events and activities that support local businesses whilst creating opportunities for our community to come together,” the social media post said.

“We have a revitalised committee including a new president, and are working collaboratively with Boroondara Council to plan and execute our upcoming events and activities.

“Whilst details of the Glenferrie Festival are still being finalised, we wish to assure our members and local community that this much-loved festival will continue.”

No additional fees have been passed on to the association, contrary to the claims of former president of the Traders Association, Sam Aldemir, that there had been an $80,000 hike.

It is not clear when Mr Aldemir left the role or why.

The newly elected president of the association, Rajna Jollie, confirmed the festival would be held next year.

“I am pleased to confirm that the festival will continue,” she said.

“We are working closely with the Boroondara council, and we are very excited about the new direction moving forward.”

A council spokesman said they were providing ongoing support to the traders association to prepare for Glenferrie Festival next year.

“The 2026 Glenferrie Festival was never cancelled, and we are providing ongoing support to the Glenferrie Road Shopping Centre Association as they prepare to deliver this much-loved event,” he said.

It comes days after Mr Aldemir took to the same Facebook page — ‘I Love Glenferrie’ — announcing the festival was cancelled.

That original Facebook, signed by Mr Aldemir, has since been deleted.

The since-deleted Facebook post signed by the former president of the Glenferrie Traders Association, Sam Aldemir, announcing the festival has been cancelled. Picture: Facebook

The now-deleted post stated the association was “appalled” by the council’s decision to “dramatically increase” the fees for the beloved festival.

Mr Aldemir claimed the council’s “refusal” to discuss and negotiate costs had left the association with no choice but to cancel the event.

“Their behaviour is nothing short of bloody-minded and hostile towards small businesses, local traders and the broader community,” he said.

But a council spokeswoman maintained the event had not been cancelled.

In a statement released last week the spokeswoman said they were “yet to meet (with traders) and decide on the future of the event”.

“Council has consistently supported the Glenferrie Festival and remains committed to working closely with the Traders Association to ensure its success,” a council spokeswoman said.

“Council is ready to work with event organisers on planning for the upcoming 2026 Glenferrie Festival.

“We want to see this much-loved event continue and will provide support as we have every year, but ultimately, the decision rests with the Glenferrie Traders Association.”

But when asked by the Herald Sun again about the event cancellation last week, Mr Aldermir maintained the event had “100 per cent been cancelled”.

Mr Aldemir was contacted for comment.