Good Times won’t roll in ’22
Tocumwal’s 2022 Good Times festival has been cancelled.
The event has been rescheduled, postponed, and cancelled multiple times since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Early optimism from organisers pointed to the event’s return later this month.
But the NSW Government’s response to the Omicron outbreak quickly, and quietly, scuttled the event.
‘‘It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Good Times for 2022,’’ the organisers said in a statement.
‘‘We had high hopes that we would be able to bring you some good old-fashioned good times in the wonderful town of Tocumwal this summer, but sadly with current restrictions and this being a community event, we have made the tough decision to put our plans on hold till 2023.’’
Last month, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet introduced new health restrictions in response to the Omicron variant.
Local musicians and performers, along with those waiting on non-urgent surgeries, were disproportionately affected by the new restrictions.
The ‘‘minor’’ and ‘‘proportionate’’
decision — as described by Mr Perrottet at the time — put a pause on elective surgeries at state-run health services, in addition to banning singing and dancing at hospitality venues, entertainment facilities and major recreation facilities.
The Courier understands organisers had planned to ‘‘push ahead as normal’’ in the days following the premier’s announcement last month.
Mr Perrottet has said major events could continue under the new rules, provided organisers passed a risk assessment by health authorities, who may postpone said events at their discretion.
It is unclear if this proviso is why the Tocumwal event has been cancelled.
Organisers said all tickets sold for the event had been refunded.
‘‘We would like to say a massive thank you to all ticket holders for your ongoing support, along with the artists, sponsors and suppliers who we know are equally sad they won't get to give back to regional NSW and come together with you salt-of-the-earth folk this year,’’ organisers said.
‘‘All ticket holders will receive an automatic refund and we hope you’ll join us in March 2023 to show Tocumwal the love it deserves.
‘‘Keep your spirits high and the soul warm with some blues, rock and soul music at home in the meantime and we'll be back when we have confirmed dates for 2023.
‘‘Thanks for understanding and sticking with us on this wild ride.’’