Music Australia addresses Splendour in the Grass’ shock cancellation as it becomes the latest Aussie music festival to get the axe

Music Australia has addressed the shock cancellation of Splendor in the Grass after it became the latest in a string of music festivals to get the ax.

The long-running music extravaganza was due to take place from July 19 to 21 in the North Byron Parklands, headlined by Kylie Minogue.

However, the 2024 event was canceled just weeks after the line-up was announced, with organizers citing “unexpected events” as the reason behind the decision.

Music Australia, which supports the country’s contemporary music industry, has responded to the cancellation and explained why the event has been cancelled.

Director of Music Australia Millie Millgate addressed the economic issues facing festivals and highlighted that Australia is not the only country experiencing changes in ticket sales.

“These challenges are not unique to Australia. Other countries such as Britain are also experiencing changes in ticket purchasing behavior in addition to rising production costs,” she said.

“Our thoughts go out to the Australian promoters, artists, managers and crew immediately affected.”

Music Australia also addressed how rapidly rising costs and changing audience habits have affected festivals around the world.

Creative Australia is to release a research report called Soundcheck, which will provide insight into the country’s rapidly changing music festival sector.

“Soundcheck shows the scale of Australia’s music festival scene and finds some are still going strong,” Ms Millgate continued.

‘While it provides important insights into the challenges impacting the sustainability of festivals, further research is needed to understand the complex issues at play.’

Music Australia, a body within Creative Australia, was established under the Australian Government’s National Cultural Policy Revive to invest in the country’s music industry.

Organizers confirmed on Wednesday that Splendor in the Grass, which has been running since 2001, has been canceled and will not be moved in 2024.

They confirmed ticket holders will get their money back and said the festival will ‘work hard to be back for years to come’ as the future remains uncertain.

A statement read: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of Splendor in the Grass 2024, originally scheduled for Friday 19th July to Sunday 21st July at Ngarindjin / North Byron Parklands.

“We know that many fans were excited about this year’s lineup and that all the major artists were planning to join us, but due to unexpected events, we are taking the year off. Ticket holders will be automatically refunded by Moshtix.

‘We thank you for your understanding and will work hard to be back in the coming years.’

Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco, from event organizers Secret Sounds, added: ‘We are heartbroken to miss a year, especially after more than twenty years in business.

“This festival has always been a huge community effort, and we would like to thank everyone for their support and overall faith. We hope to return in the future.’

In addition to Kylie, popular artists such as G Flip, Arcade Fire, Future and Girl In Red also took the stage at the 2024 event.

Kylie said of the cancellation: ‘I was so looking forward to being there and us all having the best time. Oz, now more than ever I’m looking forward to being home and playing shows for you.”

On X – formerly known as Twitter – the Padam Padam hitmaker added: “SITG, this must have been a tough decision.”

Since its inception in 2001, Splendor in the Grass has been held at various locations in NSW and Queensland.

At the height of its popularity, the festival attracted 50,000 partiers over three days.

However, this year’s line-up has faced criticism over the lack of renowned international acts, with US rapper Future, 40, one of the few global stars set to feature on the programme.

In the past, Splendor has picked up a host of international acts, including Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, Flume, Queens of the Stone Age and The Smashing Pumpkins.

The festival also became known for attracting some of Australia’s most renowned artists, including Powderfinger, Missy Higgins and Hilltop Hoods.

However, reception for the 2024 lineup was lukewarm, with fans wondering why they couldn’t attract more prominent acts.

Splendor in the Grass is the latest in a long line of music festivals to be canceled this year.

One of Australia’s biggest music festivals, Groovin the Moo, was forced to cancel its upcoming tour of shows just two months before it was due to begin.

In February, organizers announced that festivals in regional Australia would not go ahead in 2024, citing poor ticket sales.

The touring festival was due to take place between April 25 and May 11 in cities including Wayville, Canberra, Bendigo, Newcastle, Bunbury and the Sunshine Coast.

Australian rock legend Jet would play alongside Australian heavyweights such as San Cisco, DMA’s, The Jungle Giants and King Stingray.

In January, ValleyWays – a music festival featuring some of Australia’s biggest bands – was canceled just weeks before it was due to take place.

ValleyWays was preparing to host partygoers at Onslow Oval in Camden, south-west Sydney, on February 17, until it was announced it would not go ahead.

The festival was founded in 2022 by Hottest 100 winners The Rubens in partnership with TEG MJR, a touring and events company that will see Hans Zimmer touring Australia.

The same month, Tent Pole Music Festival canceled their event just weeks before it was due to start, along with organizers, blaming the ‘impossible’ economic climate.

It was due to take place on February 17 at Mt Duneed Estate in Geelong, Victoria, but was forced to offer ticket holders a full refund after it was canned.

It was reported on Tuesday that new rock festival Pandemonium Rocks will go ahead with its planned concerts, despite earlier reports that the shows had been cancelled.

Legendary rock acts Blondie, Alice Cooper, Placebo, Deep Purple and Wheatus are among the headline acts who will perform on two stages.

A festival spokesperson took to social media to reassure disappointed fans that concerts are still taking place, albeit with some changes.