‘We simply cannot in good conscience hold a festival that might only be safe for some’: Darwin Fringe cancels festival, citing community safety
The Darwin Fringe Festival has been cancelled for 2021, with organisers stating community safety was being put first.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Darwin Fringe Festival has been cancelled for 2021, with organisers stating community safety needed to be put first.
In a statement, director Hannah Illingworth and the Darwin Fringe Festival team said the decision was made to cancel the festival altogether following the Top End’s Covid-19 lockdown and restriction expected to be put in place if lifted.
MORE TOP NEWS
Woman with Buff Club link moved to Howard Springs, fined for not self-isolating
One new NT Covid case overnight, no new exposure sites
GALLERY: The Top End’s lockdown in pictures
Performances in the first weekend of the festival has already been cancelled earlier this week.
“This call weighs heavy on our hearts and minds – only a day before we would have been taking over the city,” the statement read.
“The idea of potentially putting any community members at risk, including immunocompromised people, First Nations communities, those who have not or are not able to be vaccinated, front line workers, and anyone who is sleeping rough, does not sit well with Darwin Fringe.
“Ultimately, we recognise that our responsibility lies with the safety of the greater population. We simply cannot in good conscience hold a festival that might only be safe for some and not others.
“A huge thank you to the Darwin Fringe artists and arts-workers – the beating heart of the emerging and experimental arts scene here in the Northern Territory.
“Months of hard work were put in to make and present these shows, workshops, exhibitions and experiences. We are also grateful for the incredible support of our volunteers, venues, funding bodies and industry partners, ticket holders, and the many others that are vital to Darwin Fringe.”
Anyone who purchased tickets can get a refund or donate the cost to the fringe artists.
raphaella.saroukos@news.com.au
Originally published as ‘We simply cannot in good conscience hold a festival that might only be safe for some’: Darwin Fringe cancels festival, citing community safety
Speaker shock: Lia’s Assembly surprise as sittings set to resume
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has looked outside her own party to appoint a new speaker. Read who’s got the well-paid job.
Price slams ‘lack of action’ by federal govt one year after Voice defeat
A NT senator has taken a stand one year after a referendum to give Indigenous Australians a Voice failed, slamming the federal government’s ‘lack of action’. Find out more.