Just three days before tickets were set to go on sale for the much-anticipated Launceston event, Festivale in 2022 is under threat.
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It was understood the event, scheduled to be held in February, had been capped at 5000, a number that would not be financially viable.
The event was due to be launched on Wednesday, with tickets originally planned to go on sale on Friday.
Launceston Festivale Committee chairman David Dunn said the event's hand was forced due to an inability to establish a COVID-safe plan for event proceedings.
"Unfortunately, the Festivale launch and the ticket sales planned for later this week has been deferred on the basis that the event's COVID plan has not yet been approved," he said.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah Courtney effectively dashed the committee's hopes securing an event plan that would allow more than 5000 attendees.
"I am disappointed that Festivale 2022 is unable to proceed in its traditional format," she said.
"We acknowledge that some larger scale events may be unable to comply with the [COVID event] framework which ultimately aims to keep Tasmanians safe."
Ms Courtney said the government would continue to work with Festivale organisers to come up with a way for the event to continue.
"Through Events Tasmania, the Tasmanian government will continue to work closely with the Festivale Committee to support their decision-making and to achieve the best possible outcomes going forward," she said.
Festivale traditionally attracts upwards of 10,000 attendees who fraternise with stallholders and dance to live music.
The event this year was held at UTAS Stadium in a different format where attendees had to register tables. Pre-COVID, Festivale was held at City Park as a free-moving event.
According to the state's Public Health event framework, Festivale would be classified as a level three event.
Level three outdoor "free moving and mixing" events are capped at 5000 whereas seated spectator events are able to hold 10,000.
Combination events, where patrons are able to be separated by sites or areas, are able to hold up to 10,000 people.
The framework says level three events must:
- Register the event through Business Tasmania and receive an assessment before the event can take place.
- Submit an Events COVID-19 Safety Plan, which identifies a Responsible Person for the event. Business Tasmania will coordinate approval from the Director of Public Health.
- Ensure the Events COVID-19 Safety Plan is available for inspection upon request.
A Public Health spokesperson said free moving and mixing events had been identified throughout the pandemic as among the highest risk environments for spreading COVID.
They said there could be pathways for Festivale to allow more than 5000 attendees to be part of the event.
"Under the current directions and Framework, Festivale, as a free moving and mixing outdoor event, must not exceed 5000 patrons present at any one time," they said.
"Organisers can work with COVID-19 Safe events officers and assessors to develop methods to manage patron attendance on a 'one in; one out' basis, which may enable greater attendance over the course of the event."
They said an event like an AFL game, where 10,000 can attend, were different to the Festivale proposal in that patrons were seated for most of the event in a forward facing seat.
Mr Dunn said the Festivale Committee would continue to try and find a financially viable solution.
"As a committee, we are committed to bringing to Launceston the very best event we can, but are entirely focused on navigating the appropriate health outcomes and financial risks that are faced" he said.
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