The upcoming Cherry Blossom Long Lazy Lunch and Harden Kite Festival in 2021 have been cancelled due to community safety.
The Boorowa Irish Woolfest has been postponed until next March 2022, and the National Cherry Festival will run in December in a scaled back format if at all.
The current COVID-19 situation has resulted in the re-evaluation of events for NSW and across Australia.
The events not running for a second year in a row will have an impact on the business community and the community generally Hilltops Council Tourism and Events Manager, Brent Randall said.
“There is no doubt that without the events, there will not be as many people in the towns when the events are usually held,” he said.
“This will impact businesses, particularly hospitality. The community will also be disappointed as the festivals are popular with strong visitation from residents.”
Mr Randall said there has been strong support from the communities regarding the decision.
“People understand that it is not possible to run these major events under the current COVID restrictions. Sponsors, suppliers, performers and stall holders also understand that the events can’t proceed and are all keen to support the events when they return,” he said.
The kite festival is being cancelled outright to give the committee of volunteers a better chance of putting on a great event next year.
Further concerns are around the small window for pick your own cherries tourism also, given travel restrictions.
Mr Randall added the Council’s Tourism and Events team has strategies to go into place once lockdown is lifted and people can travel again.
Itineraries are themed and include wine and food trails, family activities, history and touring routes.
“The tourism team have spent a lot of time developing drive itineraries that will encourage people to travel around the region and experience all that the area has to offer,” he said.
