BENALLA FESTIVAL CANCELLED FOR 2021

The Benalla Rural City Council and Benalla Festival Committee met last week to determine if the Benalla Festival Program as scheduled for 30 October – 07 November would proceed.

After much consideration of the current COVID-19 pandemic and potential future lockdowns of state, regional and local communities, the difficult decision to cancel the planned 2021 program has been made.

The unpredictability of the Delta strain and the difficulties associated with travel to Benalla for performers, participants, vendors and visitors is considered too high risk given the current COVID-19 numbers and restrictions.
Positively all is not lost and the Committee is monitoring the situation and considering future options.

The Benalla Festival Committee Chair, Cr Don Firth, said “While this is a disappointing decision, the Committee has considered the health of the wider community and the implications for all involved, we understand that this is not the news everyone was hoping for, but we are keen to explore alternatives.”

“I would like to thank all committee members, community event organisers and participants for their work in planning for the Festival so far and look forward to doing what we can for the community, when we can.”