Covid curbs cast a cloud on Festivale
ORGANISERS of Launceston’s Festivale have held off announcing the program and releasing tickets after Covid restrictions halved the event’s desired capacity.
Known for its flowing wine, eclectic food, bustling crowds and stellar live entertainment, anticipation has been growing for the threeday festival to bring some oomph to Launceston City Park in February.
But the anticipation will have to continue as organisers revealed in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning Covid-19 has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the event.
Committee chair David Dunn said the launch was scheduled for Wednesday, with sponsors, government and media expected to attend, and tickets were to be released on Friday.
“Unfortunately, the Festivale launch and the ticket sales planned for later this week (have) been deferred on the basis that the event’s
Covid plan has not yet been approved,” Mr Dunn said.
The Facebook post states the committee was seeking a 10,000-person limit, but existing Public Health guidelines meant no more than 5000 could attend, and only 250 could be standing at a time. The committee said it was understood Public Health informed it last Thursday its Covid plan had not been approved.
“Based on these parameters, Festivale is not financially viable,” the post reads.
“The Festivale committee are continuing to work with government to find a solution.”
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah
Courtney said Festivale was one of six events to receive support under the government’s iconic events fund.
“Like thousands of Tasmanians who look forward to attending this iconic event each year, I am disappointed that Festivale 2022 is unable to proceed in its traditional format,” Ms Courtney said.
“Our government is committed to supporting our important events sector as it continues to face ongoing gathering restrictions associated with Covid-19, and I know that this has been (a) difficult decision for event organisers.”
Mr Dunn said two options were to not hold a 2022 event, or hold an event similar to their 2021 iteration Indulge at another venue.
“The City Park is synonymous with Festivale – if we go down another road of another festival, it’ll be at another venue,” he said.
Mr Dunn said a smaller festival would mean less stallholders and entertainers.
BASED ON THESE PARAMETERS, FESTIVALE IS NOT FINANCIALLY VIABLE. THE … COMMITTEE ARE CONTINUING TO WORK WITH GOVERNMENT TO FIND A SOLUTION.