Party in the Paddock back in 2025, but organisers say support is needed
After Mona Foma was axed last week, organisers of another festival say their event will be back next summer, but they’ll need help to keep the party going into the future.
Tasmania
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After Mona Foma was axed last week, organisers of another popular festival say Tasmanians can count on their event’s return next summer, but they’ll need support to keep the party going into the future.
Production company Vibestown confirmed Launceston’s Party in the Paddock (PITP) will be back for its 12th event, from February 6-9, 2025.
The announcement comes not only after the cancellation of Mona Foma, but a string of Australian music festivals including Groove in the Moo, Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival.
Vibestown director Jesse Higgs said festivals were an important platform for artists.
“We recognise the importance of these events as not only avenues for entertainment but also vital platforms for community engagement, artistic expression, and economic support for local businesses and artists,” he said.
Mr Higgs said there was ongoing uncertainty around Australian arts and music festivals and that the cost of living crisis contributed to that.
He said his team were working hard to ensure PITP didn’t fall victim to same pressures which resulted in other events being cancelled, but he said support would be needed to keep it going in the long run.
“It’s the most important time in our history, after running this event as a locally owned and operated business for the last 12 years, that we receive more support from the state government,” he said.
“We’re currently working towards more funding for PITP and this will be vital for our future as Tasmania’s leading music and arts festival.
“It’s additionally important for us to say that we have so much gratitude towards our ‘paddock’ people that return most years – this year especially, it’s really important that everyone makes the effort to support local events.”
Mr Higgs hoped the festival would become a Tasmanian essential.
“In this next chapter, we’re here to make PITP as synonymous with Tassie as ‘The Jack Jumpers’ or the coming ‘Tassie Devils’ AFL team,” he said.
“We believe that music and art are and should be valued just as much as sports … let’s lock in another decade.”
Party in the Paddock was cancelled after its 2020 event, but was revived in 2023 at its new home at Quercus Park.
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