The beloved Newtown Festival will not be working after 40 years celebrating the neighborhood.
Newtown Neighbourhood Centre introduced on Tuesday that organisers had determined to discontinue the interior Sydney competition, which has been operating since 1983.
“Over the last 40 years, Newtown Festival has experienced significant growth, with many more businesses, sponsors and people attending the event,” organisers wrote in a social media put up.
“While this has been exciting to witness, this large-scale financial endeavour eclipses the resources, capabilities and purpose of NNC.
“After years of careful consideration, which involved reviewing a number of possible funding scenarios and business cases, as well as community consultation, NNC’s board has made the decision to discontinue the festival.
“The board did not come to this conclusion lightly and acknowledges how much the festival will be missed by residents, festivalgoers, artists, stallholders and the NNC team itself.”
Many thrilling performers have graced the competition’s stage through the years, together with Lizzie Mack and Murray Cook – often known as the Red Wiggle – with their band The Soul Movers in 2019.
Despite the tip of the competition, the centre will proceed to “work closely with community” and Inner West Council to assist ship SummerFest, Marrickville Music Festival and the St. Anmoré (Stanmore) Music Festival.
“Our participation in these community celebrations will foster new connections for NNC and allow us to focus on our key purpose of supporting the community,” organisers mentioned.
“NNC will also be a charity partner for one of these council events, allowing the centre to raise funds to extend the reach of our services within the community.
“We’d like to thank all members of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre family for the time, effort and dedication put into organising and participating in the festival over the years.
“We look forward to creating new traditions and memories as we continue to work alongside and support the residents of Newtown.”
Newtown MP Jenny Leong took to social media to share her reminiscences of the favored competition.
“For the last 40 years, the Newtown Festival has been a joyous community celebration and important platform for local performers and artists,” Ms Leong wrote.
“Like many long-time Newtowners I have so many good memories of the festival, including being part of the grassroots sticker campaign against the fences and sniffer dogs and speaking at the festival to thank the community after first being elected.
“Massive thank you to the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre for the enormous amount of work they put into hosting the festival year after year.
“We say a sad farewell to the Newtown Festival – but look forward to continuing to support the Neighbourhood Centre’s vital services and working to ensure a vibrant live music scene and range of inclusive, free community events remain at the heart of our inner west community.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
