Junction Hometown: Major arts festival to return in 2020 with special event

Break out your picnic blanket — Junction Arts Festival will return this year with a special three-day event in lieu of its postponed 10 year anniversary event. ALL THE DETAILS >>

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BREAK out your picnic blanket because after months of teasing a replacement event for 2020, Junction Arts Festival organisers have finally announced Hometown.

The three day program of art, music and performance will celebrate Tasmania’s resilient and vibrant arts community at Prince’s Square from November 27-29.

Big things were in the planning for the 10 year anniversary of Junction in September when the event was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The decade edition program will still go ahead in 2021.

Executive producer Frith Mabin said organisers had continued the tradition of the popular arts, music and performance festival by programming a Tassie-only line-up for the supplementary Hometown festival.

This year’s COVID safe event will be spread over four ticketed sessions on the last weekend of spring.

“We’ll be laying out our picnic rugs and enjoying a socially distanced event in our beloved hometown of Launceston,” Ms Mabin said.

“Get ready to shake off the COVID blues and welcome summer with live music, friendly

faces and delicious local food and wine.

Junction Arts Festival executive producer Frith Mabin. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“Junction Hometown promises something for everyone, from children’s programming to your favourite Tassie bands and a whole lot of fun.”

Ms Mabin said it had been a tough year for the arts industry and the Junction team could not wait to see the stages and park lit up once again.

City of Launceston Mayor Albert Van Zetten said the council was “extremely proud” to support Junction as a major sponsor.

“The festival plays a significant role as a key cultural and creative event with deep

community roots,” he said.

“It epitomises the true cultural heartbeat of Northern Tasmania and beyond, drawing in thousands of people from across the state.”

The full line-up announcement and tickets will be on sale next Friday, October 16.

Tickets will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions with all sales going directly to supporting the artists and creators.