Big events under threat

In the wake of the cancellation of Dark Mofo for this year amid coronavirus fears, other major events planned for Hobart are proceeding with caution.

Dark Mofo has taken the lead on cancelling a large, internationally promoted festival in Tassie. 

Other major events are proceeding with caution through the calendar year, amid fears that further cancellations could cost the state millions.

TASSIE MUST 'STEM THE BLEEDING' OF DARK MOFO LOSS

Tassie must ‘stem the bleeding’ of Dark Mofo loss

SPIEGELTENT

March 5-29

This event is currently underway after a rocky start with a postponed opening night. A spokeswoman said there had been no adverse impact on ticket sales, which were tracking ahead of forecasts. She said the tent can hold 600 audience members at a time, with an average attendance of around 80 per cent and an estimated economic impact of between $4 - $5 million on Tasmania.

TYREPOWER TASMANIA SUPER400

April 3-5

Some 55,000 fans are expected to attend the 2020 event at Symmons Plains, which has seen an estimated $60 million injected into the state’s economy over the past seven years. General Manager Felicity Hamblin said at this stage it was business as usual for the upcoming event. “We love coming to Tasmania, because it’s a key event on our calendar,” she said. “We’re obviously watching the situation and want to make sure everyone’s safety is kept in mind.”

TARGA TASMANIA

April 27 - May 2

The 29th annual event will bring an estimated $8 million to Launceston, Hobart and smaller coastal towns in between. Targa Australia CEO Mark Perry said he understood why Dark Mofo had cancelled, but was confident Targa would go ahead. He said the low-risk event did not centre around mass gatherings, instead encouraging dispersed local spectators to view the event from the side of the tracks, posing no greater threat than any other outdoor activity. He said Targa would follow expert health recommendations.

MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC WALK AND RUN

May 10

The annual nationwide event is set to go ahead this year for an estimated 1,000-2,000 participants in Hobart this Mother’s Day. MDC Foundation CEO Zara Lawless said the company was planning “alternate ways for our supporters to get involved” if Federal or State authorities restrict the event. The MDC raised $1.75 million for lifesaving breast cancer research last year.

CITY TO CASINO

May 17

The second-oldest major fun run in Australia is expected to go ahead “unless circumstances get worse” according to race director Haydyn Nielsen, who said the team would meet next Monday to discuss the situation further. He said the event attracts between three and four thousand runners every year, with this year’s $150,000 budget planned to pay various charities and organisations for their help on the day with infrastructure and other services.

BUSINESS CONFERENCES

30 conferences and corporate meetings are expected to come to the state between now and the end of May through state organiser Business Events Tasmania. Some conference spaces in Tasmania can seat up to 1,000 delegates at a time. Business Events Tasmania has not seen any cancellations thus far, but some meetings have been postponed due to travel bans. The economic value of conference travel is estimated to be higher than leisure tourism.

FESTIVAL OF VOICES

July 1-12

The annual choral event generated $500,000 from ticket sales last year, and brings choirs to the state from the mainland, who spend an average of 7.5 nights in Tassie over the period. Festival Director Peter Choraziak said the event will go ahead, expecting close to 30,000 visitors to the 150 events - 80 per cent of whom are expected to be Tasmanian. “We do feel for DarkLab and Mona,” he said. “We fully understand their decision, and we look forward to working with them next year for a bigger and better festival.”

HUON VALLEY MID-WINTER FESTIVAL

July 10-12

The iconic event has seen 15,000 attendants on average rug up and brave the cold each year, and this year is expected to be no exception. Festival director Sam Reid said he was working closely with Events Tasmania and other authorities to receive guidance. “Given the local nature of our festival in terms of artists, stallholders and attendees, we’re comfortable continuing to move forward,” he said.

AFL

One of Australia’s biggest spectator sports has seen 350,000 attendees this year so far, but it could be under threat as coronavirus spreads. AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan warned large public gatherings could eventually be impacted, which would see teams “play games in stadiums with no crowds”. The next AFL Tasmanian match will be North Melbourne vs. Fremantle at Blundstone Arena in Hobart on April 19.