Return to Rio is the latest in a long line of Australian music festivals to get the axe.
In an Instagram post, they said they would be canceling the festival “after much thought” and with a “heavy heart,” but shared their hopes to return in 2025.
They claimed the additional costs imposed by NSW Police and Health to cover police and medical services have made it ‘almost impossible’ to organize the event.
“After much thought and with heavy hearts, we are sad to announce that Return to Rio 2024 will not take place,” organizers wrote in a lengthy statement.
Return to Rio is the latest in a long line of Australian music festivals to get the ax as organizers confirmed it has been canceled due to rising costs
‘Return to Rio has an excellent track record as a safe and well-run festival and has been running successfully for over a decade without major incidents.
‘But last year it was decided that our police and medical costs would have to increase by as much as 529 percent.
“This, combined with the additional rules and regulations we have to adhere to, caused us to incur more than $300,000 in additional costs last year. It is almost impossible for a small family business not to run at a loss.’
“With so many people struggling financially, passing these insanely high fees on to you is not something we are willing to do,” they continued.
The 2023 edition took place from October 27 to 29 in Wisemans Ferry and attracted DJs Amonita, Anthony Pappa and Bushwacka!
‘We believe we all have the right to enjoy festivals as the rest of the world can do safely without this heavy-handedness. But unfortunately it’s becoming impossible to continue doing what we do here in NSW.
“So this year we’re stepping away from the game, hoping this madness stops and common sense prevails. We hope to be back bigger and better in 2025. Lots of love.’
The 2023 edition took place from October 27 to 29 in Wisemans Ferry and attracted DJs Amonita, Anthony Pappa and Bushwacka!.
It is the latest in a long line of Down Under festivals to be axed this year, raising concerns about the future of live music in Australia.
It’s the latest in a long line of Down Under festivals to be scrapped this year, raising concerns about the future of live music in Australia (Photo: Groovin The Moo in 2019)
Hugely popular festival Groovin The Moo – which was due to headline this year’s Alice Wonderland (above) – was forced to cancel, two months before it was due to kick off
Groovin The Moo is one of Australia’s largest music festivals and has been held every year since 2005, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when it was halted due to Covid.
This year the music extravaganza was due to tour cities including Wayville, Canberra, Bendigo, Newcastle and the Sunshine Coast between April 25 and May 11.
However, in February, organizers announced that the 2024 festival had to be canceled, just two months before it was due to start.
Just a week after tickets went on sale, organizers confirmed the regional shows would no longer go ahead this year, citing poor ticket sales.
Splendor in the Grass was due to take place in the North Byron Parklands from July 19 to 21, headlined by Kylie Minogue.
Splendor in the Grass was due to take place at the North Byron Parklands from July 19 to 21, with Kylie Minogue (pictured) as headliner, but was also axed due to ‘unexpected events’.
But the 2024 event was canceled just weeks after the line-up was announced, with organizers citing “unexpected events” as the reason behind the decision as its future remains uncertain.
NYE In The Park went bankrupt after being unable to pay its debts, while ValleyWays and Tent Pole Music Festival were also canceled due to the ‘impossible’ economic climate.
Amid the cancellations, Dance Monkey singer Tones And I has issued a dire warning about the future of festivals in Australia.
She urged fans to support local artists and events as well as big global names, as she warned Australia will ‘run out of festivals’ amid the cancellations.
Amid the cancellations, Dance Monkey singer Tones And I (pictured) issued a dire warning about the future of festivals in Australia as she urged people to support local artists
She said: ‘Splendor in the Grass 2024 has been canceled and it’s quite sad because we’ve also lost the Groovin the Moo and Falls Festival in recent years and we don’t know if it will come back.
‘I think now more than ever it’s important to buy tickets to your favorite bands, go to live shows, go to festivals, even if you just like the atmosphere, because these guys aren’t coming back – some of these festivals can’t do that. and they need that support.
“I understand that everyone gets so excited when foreign artists come through, and that’s really exciting, but soon we’re really not going to have any festivals anymore, which will not only deter foreign acts from coming through, but it will really hinder the emerging Australian live music scene.
‘Do your best to support local artists and local festivals in your own country if you can.’