‘Devastated and gutted’: Marion Bay Falls axed due to lack of government support

The Marion Bay Falls Festival could have been saved if the State Government agreed to supporting it, says the event’s producer. WHY IT WON’T CONTINUE >>

The Falls Festival could have continued at Marion Bay if the state government agreed to provide enough funding for the event to continue, according to the producer of the event.

The decision to stop operating the Tasmanian edition of the festival has been met with disappointment.

Tasmanian band Luca Brasi had played at the Marion Bay edition four times in its 17 year history.

Front man Tyler Richardson said it was an amazing opportunity to play at Falls, one emerging Tasmanian artists would now miss out on.

“The last time we played there, it must have been the new years before, we had an amazing slot in the late arvo on the main stage, there were so many people watching us play at that time,” Mr Richardson said.

“It was incredible for us.”

Falls Festival flashback: Best fashions and messy moments

VIEW GALLERY

Tasmanian band Luca Brasi played at Falls Festival Marion Bay on New Year's Eve. Picture: PATRICK GEE

He said he also had fond memories when he attended the festival as a teen.

“I grew up going to see some of the biggest bands that you’d never expect to see in Tassie at that festival,” Mr Richardson said.

He said it would be sorely missed.

“I’m just gutted, it’s really sad, it’s such an institution,” Mr Richardson said.

Co-CEO of Secret Sounds and producer of Falls Festival Jessica Ducrou said the decision not to continue the event at Marion Bay was not made lightly.

“We’re devastated and gutted by the situation we’re in,” Ms Ducrou said.

“It’s very difficult, we’ve been in Marion Bay for 17 years.

“It’s heart breaking for all of us, we love the show and wish we could still operate there.

Ms Ducrou said the event was not financially viable in Tasmania, due to attendance.

She said 50 per cent of Marion Bay festival goers came from the mainland.

“Festivals are expensive, on a good year we would break even,” Ms Ducrou said.

“The ticket sales weren’t there despite it being the largest event in Tasmania.

“The ticket was also priced for the local market, significantly cheap that the mainland, reflecting wages.”

She said the company had been affected by pandemic, but even before that its future was dwindling.

“I think the effects of Covid and the pandemic have certainly had an impact on our business,” Ms Ducrou said.

“We were aware it was losing money before the pandemic, the impacts of Covid have exacerbated that and our ability to sustain that.”

Ms Ducrou said the company was subsiding the loss significantly, but it quickly became unsustainable.

The producer said it sought support to continue the event, but was unable to secure what was needed.

“It became apparent unless we did receive some sort of significant support it was not financially viable,” Ms Ducrou said.

“We’ve been in discussions with Events Tasmania, they understand what we need.

She hoped it wouldn’t mean closing the door on Marion Bay permanently.

“It really would require government support to come back,” she said.

Events minister Sarah Courtney the event at Marion Bay attracted thousands of visitors and boosted Tasmania’s summer economy.

“We have engaged closely with the organisers of Falls Festival through Events Tasmania in recent months,” Ms Courtney said.

“We understand that this hasn’t been an easy decision for them following the impact of the pandemic on their business.

Milky Chance perform at Falls Festival Marion Bay on New Year's Eve. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Ms Ducrou said she understood decision would have a significant impact on the community.

“We’re thankful to the local community and council that have supported the festival over many years,” she said.

Sorell Mayor Kerry Vincent said it was disappointing, but understandable.

“It’s understanding under the circumstances, because of the cost of logistics,” Cr Vincent said.

He said many would be sad to see it go.

“It had become a bit of an institution for us,” Cr Vincent said.

“The atmosphere down there was just electric, the young people really took ownership of it and just loved it.

“It was important because of the volume of sales through our shops but also all of the small food vans, it was substantial income throughout the year.

Sorell Mayor Kerry Vincent in the Speakers Reserve. Parliament question time. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The future of the site, which is owned by Falls Festival, has not yet been decided.

Cr Vincent hoped it wouldn’t go to waste and that another festival organiser would step up.

“It’s a beautiful location.”

“They’ve got a lot of infrastructure in there with toilet blocks, stages and power it would be disappointing to see it wasted,” he said

“My immediate thought is it does give someone else the opportunity to fill the gap locally.

“We’d certainly like to explore those options, it’s a fantastic site.”