Return to Rio becomes latest in long line of Aussie festivals to get the axe ... trends now

Return to Rio has become the latest in a long line of Australian music festivals to get the axe.

In an Instagram post, they said they were cancelling the festival 'after a lot of thought' and with a 'heavy heart' but shared their hopes to return again in 2025. 

They claimed that additional costs imposed by NSW Police and Health to cover policing and medical services have made it 'almost impossible' to run the event.

'After a lot of thought, and with very heavy hearts we're sad to announce Return to Rio 2024 won't be going ahead,' organisers penned in a lengthy statement.

'Return to Rio has an excellent record as a safe and well-run festival and has operated successfully for over a decade without any major incidents. 

'But last year it was decided that our police and medical costs should increase by a whopping 529 per cent. 

'This, combined with the extra rules and regulations we have to adhere to, meant last year we incurred more than $300K in extra costs. For a small family-run business, this makes it almost impossible not to run at a loss.'

'With so many people struggling financially right now, passing these crazy-high fees onto you is not something we're prepared to do,' they went on.

'We believe we all have the right to enjoy festivals as the rest of the world manages to do safely without this heavy-handedness. But sadly, it's becoming impossible to keep doing what we do here in NSW. 

'So, we're stepping out of the game this year, in the hope that this madness stops, and common sense prevails. We hope to be back bigger and better in 2025. Much love.'

The 2023 edition took place from October 27-29 in Wisemans Ferry and attracted DJs including Amonita, Anthony Pappa and Bushwacka!, among others.

It is the latest in a long line of festivals Down Under to be axed this year, causing concern over the future of live music in Australia.