Overview
2019 will mark the last-ever edition of the beloved community event Newtown Festival, with organisers Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) pulling the plug on the festival after 40 years. According to a statement on NNC's website, the festival had grown too large over its final few iterations and is no longer financially viable for the not-for-profit to continue running.
"Over the last 40 years, Newtown Festival has experienced significant growth, with many more businesses, sponsors and people attending the event. While this has been exciting to witness, this large-scale financial endeavour has eclipsed the resources, capabilities and purpose of NNC," the statement reads.
"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, and NNC itself. We will instead participate in three key events led by Inner West Council to drive awareness of the services we provide."
James Simpson
From humble beginnings, the festival grew to the point where it hosted hundreds of stallholders and musicians in 2019, as well as more than 40,000 punters, boasting a lineup featuring The Delta Riggs, The Buoys and a Heaps Gay karaoke closet.
Over the years, up-and-coming bands cut their teeth on the free festival's stage and beloved musicians brought crowds to Camperdown Memorial Park, with the likes of The Kid LAROI, All Our Exes Live in Texas, L-FRESH the Lion, Jinja Safari, Gordi, Palms and Nooky all performing over the years.
NNC will continue to push for inclusivity and the arts within the Inner West, while the spirit of Newtown Festival won't be lost, with other community events like SummerFest, Marrickville Music Festival, St.Anmoré, Fair Day, Yabun and the Beer Footy and Food Festival all going strong.
James Simpson
Head to the Newtown Community Centre website for more information on the not-for-profit and to read the statement about Newtown Festival.
Top image: Kirsten Muller.