Harvest Rock becomes latest Aussie fest to fall

Adelaide’s Harvest Rock has become the latest Australian festival to pull the plug on its 2024 edition.

Promoted by Live Nation’s Secret Sounds, the event debuted at Rymill & King Rodney Parks in November 2022 and has welcomed acts such as Jack White, Sam Fender, Jamiroquai and Crowded House.

Organisers did not elaborate on the reasons for the cancellation but have indicated the event could return in the future.

“We’ve been working hard to make Harvest Rock III another incredible event, however we have made the difficult decision to not hold the festival in 2024,” says the festival on Instagram. “We appreciate the ongoing support of the South Australian government and we look forward to Harvest Rock in the future.”

Secret Sounds also cancelled its flagship Splendour in the Grass festival earlier this year

Secret Sounds, whose co-founder Jessica Ducrou exited in June, also cancelled its flagship Splendour in the Grass event earlier this year due to “unexpected events”.

The Australian festival scene has been decimated since the beginning of this year when six notable festivals were cancelled in quick succession: Groovin The Moo, Coastal Jam, Summerground, Vintage Vibes, Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree and ValleyWays.

More events have since been cancelled in the subsequent months, with issues ranging from bushfires, floods and the pandemic, to rising insurance costs, the cost-of-living crisis and state regulations. Meanwhile, a Creative Australia report revealed that only half of the country’s festivals are profitable.

A government inquiry into Australia’s troubled live scene was launched last month amid the widespread closures of venues and festivals, with stakeholders including trade bodies, broadcasters and event organisers lining up to give evidence.

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