A much-loved Sunny Coast festival will be rescheduled to next year in a bid to spread “cultural offerings” across the year.
Horizon Festival, a 10-day multi-arts showcase due to be held in August, will now run from May 2-11, 2025.
It comes as music festivals across Australia are being cancelled amid an economic squeeze, and live music venues are shutting their doors, such as iconic Brisbane night spot The Zoo which will close after 32 years.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli says May is a “quieter period” and that there are already “numerous arts and cultural offerings” this year.
The Big Pineapple Festival yesterday announced it will hold its festival on October 19.
Horizon’s opening weekend will coincide with the Labour Day Public Holiday.
Mayor Natoli says the cultural festival is an important celebration of creative talent and an attractive drawcard for visitors.
“Changing the date allows Council to embrace a more sustainable festival model, safeguarding the cultural and economic value the festival provided.
“The festival attracted more than 25,000 attendees and contributed $1.9 million to the region in 2023, an important Council contribution to strengthen our local economy.”
Horizon Festival’s Creative Director Megan Rowland says the date change is a positive outcome for audiences, artists, and the region.
“Moving our festival to earlier in the year means that audiences no longer need to choose between festivals in that busy August–September period.
“With festivals across the globe feeling the financial pinch, we’re also taking the time to search for efficiencies, build a more sustainable festival model and deepen our engagement with the local creative sector and our communities.
“One year out, the Horizon Festival team is deep in planning for the May 2025 festival. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes.
“A renewed vision is shaping the festival for this exciting new phase, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”
Check out all the information on Horizon Festival here or follow their socials, @horizonartfest and @artscoast.
Photo: Nic Morely, “Dawn Awakening”, Horizon Festival 2023.
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