The loss of several major festivals in NSW has left businesses, regional communities, musicians, and festival goers concerned about the future of music festivals in NSW.

Shadow Minister for Tourism and the Arts Kevin Anderson MP said the loss of Bluesfest compounds concerns felt within the industry following the cancellation of several festivals including Groovin’ in the Moo and Splendour in the Grass.

“Festivals are an essential part of the cultural, artistic and recreational makeup of NSW, particularly of regional NSW where many of these major events are held,” Mr Anderson said.

“The factors causing the cancellation of these festivals is varied and relevant to each individual festival, but state and local government fees as well as skyrocketing insurance costs are a significant impediment to the viability of festivals.

“The government’s user charges policy is adding hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of fees and charges to the cost of running a festival, costs that are passed on to festival goers who, in turn, may not be able to afford ticket prices in a cost-of-living crisis.

“However, user charges policy guidelines allow for exemptions based on a set of criteria, meaning user pay fees can be reduced or waived entirely.

“Festivals like the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Parkes Elvis Festival meet these criteria as they raise the profile of the community and provide significant benefit to the local economy.

“The hallmark status provided to these festivals helps make them viable, despite the significant headwinds facing the industry and festivals across NSW.

“The government should look at ways they could further support festivals across NSW by providing a clearer set of guidelines and a pathway to exemptions for a wider and more diverse range of festivals.