Music Australia addresses Splendor in the Grass' shock cancellation as it ... trends now
Music Australia has addressed Splendour in the Grass' shock cancellation after it became the latest in a line of music festivals to get the axe.
The long-running music spectacular had been due to take place from July 19 to 21 at the North Byron Parklands, with Kylie Minogue headlining.
However, the 2024 event was cancelled just weeks after the line-up was announced, with organisers citing 'unexpected events' as the reason behind the decision.
Music Australia, which supports the country's contemporary music industry, has responded to the cancellation and spoke about why the event has been axed.
Director of Music Australia Millie Millgate addressed the economic issues affecting festivals and insisted Australia is not the only country dealing with changes in ticket buying.
Music Australia has addressed Splendour in the Grass' shock cancellation. Kylie Minogue had been set to headline the event at the North Byron Parklands in July
'These challenges are not unique to Australia. Other countries like the UK are also experiencing changes in ticket buying behaviour in addition to increasing production costs,' she said.
'Our thoughts go out to the Australian promoters, artists, managers and crew immediately affected.'
Music Australia also addressed how rapidly rising costs and changing audience habits have impacted festivals across the globe.
Creative Australia are set to publish a research report called Soundcheck, which will give insights into the country's quickly changing music festival sector.
'Soundcheck shows the size of the music festival scene in Australia and finds that some continue to perform well,' Ms Millgate went on.
The 2024 event was cancelled just weeks after the line-up was announced, with organisers citing 'unexpected events' as the reason behind the decision (the festival is pictured in 2023)
'While it provides important insights into the challenges affecting the sustainability of festivals, further research is needed to understand the complex issues at play.'
Music Australia, a body within Creative Australia, has been set up under the Australian Government's National Cultural Policy Revive to invest in the country's music industry.
Organisers confirmed on Wednesday that Splendour in the Grass, which has been running since 2001, has been cancelled and won't be rescheduled during 2024.
They confirmed that ticket holders will be refunded and said the festival will be 'working hard to be back' in years to come as its future remains uncertain.
A statement read: 'With a heavy heart, we're announcing the cancellation of Splendour in the Grass 2024, originally scheduled from Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July in Ngarindjin / North Byron Parklands.
Director of Music Australia Millie Millgate discussed the economic issues at play as she said other countries are also struggling with changes in ticket buying (pictured: the 2023 festival)
'We know there were many fans excited for this year's line-up and all the great artists planning to join us, but due to unexpected events we'll be taking the year off. Ticket holders will be refunded automatically by Moshtix.
'We thank you for your understanding and will be working hard to be back in future years.'
Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco, of event organisers Secret Sounds, added: 'We're heartbroken to be missing a year especially after more than two
