Another local event has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic with news the Lakeside Festival will not go ahead for 2020.
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It was a tough call for committee members who considered the festival an important annual event, an event that attracted revellers from throughout the Mid Coast and beyond.
Unfortunately, the inevitable decision to cancel the 2020 Lakeside Festival is now a reality, given that COVID-19 is still holding the world at ransom, and festivals have not been given the green light to proceed in the foreseeable future, sponsor manager, Pamela South said.
"As you can imagine, the Lakeside team are extremely disappointed, given the dedication they have put into this year's event thus far, but we look forward to a bigger, wider, series of events in the lead up to a sensational 2021 festival," she said.
"Every year, for the past seven plus years we have looked forward to connecting with our community and showcasing some incredible musical talent - both local and nationally acclaimed.
"Our vision is always that we build a festival that brings the community and visitors to our beautiful part of the world together for a memorable day of fun and that local business will benefit from the tourism attached to such an event.
"But given the growing concerns around COVID-19, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Lakeside Festival for 2020."
Despite this year's cancellation preparation and the line-up for the 2021 event are already being planned.
"Having cancelled we are working towards next year," committee member, Mark Johnson said.
Mr Johnson assured the event would continue to be held on the first Saturday in November.
As you can imagine, the Lakeside team are extremely disappointed, given the dedication they have put into this year's event thus far, but we look forward to a bigger, wider, series of events in the lead up to a sensational 2021 festival.
- Pamela South
He extended his thanks to both local Federal and State government MPs, David Gillespie and Stephen Bromhead, and MidCoast Council staff members, Robyn Brennan and Debbie Knowler for their combined contribution towards this year's event.
Ms South said the festival was an important event for local tourism, but the priority was to ensure the health and safety of everyone who attended the festival, business partners and volunteers.
"We explored other ways to keep the festival alive in 2020, but it is important for us to host an inclusive event and it didn't feel right to have to restrict attendance and interaction such as dancing and connecting with the performers and audience in a relaxed environment."
She assured the committee was committed to 2021 with even bigger and better collaborations.
"So, watch this space and we look forward to being part of the community's "go to" plans in the new year.
"Please continue to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our progress and special announcements and we hope to work with you in greater detail, to create some special ideas and deals for 2021, which we will be a win-win for everybody."
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