Organisers of independent NSW music festival ValleyWays have cancelled the event several weeks out from its planned date, citing cost of living pressures.
The festival was planned for mid-February in Camden, south-west of Sydney and promised a lineup including prominent rock acts Grinspoon, The Rubens, and Ball Park Music.
A message on the Ticketek site alerted fans to the cancellation of the festival masterminded by The Rubens, who had started the festival a year earlier in an effort to promote the music scene in their hometown.
“It is with a heavy heart, that TEG MJR and the Rubens are announcing that Valleyways is being cancelled for 2024,” the statement read.
“We understand that costs of living pressures and rising interest rates have severely impacted patrons, particularly in regional areas like Camden.
“It simply isn’t the right time for this ambitious music festival to take place.”
While the organisers’ statement cites impacts from cost of living pressures, they did not specify why the festival was cancelled.
The cancellation of Valleyways comes just weeks after two other local music festivals pulled the plug.
The Vintage Vibes Festival in the Adelaide Hills cancelled its weekend event just two weeks before it was due to occur.
“Increased pressure on supply chains, especially to venues outside the CBD, alongside shifts in economic climates reflect the broader challenges many are facing within the industry,” organisers said.
And the Coastal Jam was forced to cancel its event on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, citing the sting of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Rubens said they remained committed to their vision of growing the live music economy in Camden.
All ticket holders will be refunded for their purchased tickets, with Ticketek adding that it could take up to 30 business days to process all of the returns.
The festival was designed as an “annual celebration”, the band will once again use ValleyWays to not only support and promote local talent, but to ensure live music and major events continue to prosper outside of major cities.
The Rubens’ management has been contacted for comment.
