Newtown Festival no longer operating after 40 years

A popular festival will no longer operate after 40 years of bringing music and entertainment to its community.

The beloved Newtown Festival will no longer be operating after 40 years celebrating the community. Picture: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre

The beloved Newtown Festival will no longer be operating after 40 years celebrating the community.

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre announced on Tuesday that organisers had decided to discontinue the inner Sydney festival, which has been running since 1983.

“Over the last 40 years, Newtown Festival has experienced significant growth, with many more businesses, sponsors and people attending the event,” organisers wrote in a social media post.

The Newtown Festival won’t return in 2023. Picture: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre

“While this has been exciting to witness, this large-scale financial endeavour eclipses the resources, capabilities and purpose of NNC.

“After years of careful consideration, which involved reviewing a number of possible funding scenarios and business cases, as well as community consultation, NNC’s board has made the decision to discontinue the festival.

“The board did not come to this conclusion lightly and acknowledges how much the festival will be missed by residents, festivalgoers, artists, stallholders and the NNC team itself.”

Many exciting performers have graced the festival’s stage over the years, including Lizzie Mack and Murray Cook – also known as the Red Wiggle – with their band The Soul Movers in 2019.

Despite the end of the festival, the centre will continue to “work closely with community” and Inner West Council to help deliver SummerFest, Marrickville Music Festival and the St. Anmoré (Stanmore) Music Festival.

“Our participation in these community celebrations will foster new connections for NNC and allow us to focus on our key purpose of supporting the community,” organisers said.

The Newtown Festival first started in 1983. Picture: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre

“NNC will also be a charity partner for one of these council events, allowing the centre to raise funds to extend the reach of our services within the community.

“We’d like to thank all members of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre family for the time, effort and dedication put into organising and participating in the festival over the years.

“We look forward to creating new traditions and memories as we continue to work alongside and support the residents of Newtown.”

Newtown MP Jenny Leong took to social media to share her memories of the popular festival.

Greens MP for Newtown Jenny Leong says she’s going to miss the community festival. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“For the last 40 years, the Newtown Festival has been a joyous community celebration and important platform for local performers and artists,” Ms Leong wrote.

“Like many long-time Newtowners I have so many good memories of the festival, including being part of the grassroots sticker campaign against the fences and sniffer dogs and speaking at the festival to thank the community after first being elected.

“Massive thank you to the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for the enormous amount of work they put into hosting the festival year after year.

“We say a sad farewell to the Newtown Festival – but look forward to continuing to support the Neighbourhood Centre’s vital services and working to ensure a vibrant live music scene and range of inclusive, free community events remain at the heart of our inner west community.”