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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Secrets Sounds, the Live Nation-owned promoter behind Australian festivals Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival, has announced a brand new annual rock festival.

Harvest Rock will debut on 19 and 20 November this year at Rymill & King Rodney Parks in Adelaide, South Australia.

Jack White and Kurt Vile will perform at the two-day event for what will be their only Australia shows this year.

They’re joined on the bill by Crowded House, The Black Crowes, Tones & I, Khruangbin, Groove Armada, Courtney Barnett, Sam Fender and Hot Chip.

“The inaugural Harvest Rock will bring both iconic and hot new international artists from around the world to downtown Adelaide, alongside an abundance of incredible talent from our own shores,” says Secret Sounds co-CEO and Harvest Rock producer Jessica Ducrou.

Jack White and Kurt Vile will perform at the two-day event for what will be their only Australia shows this year

“Presenting South Australia’s best in show food and wine offerings including cellar door pop-ups, a mash-up of chefs and musicians on our Feastiville Stage and Little Harvest for the kids, were excited to provide a festival with many different facets. We’re planning a good old-fashioned get-together with great music, food and wine, so come and experience Harvest Rock in all its glory.”

Events South Australia executive director Hitaf Rasheed adds: “The inaugural Harvest Rock in the heart of our city – the country’s only UNESCO City of Music – is going to be something to experience.

“It is fantastic that the festival also highlights our state’s world-class food and beverage, which will attract foodies to sample some of our finest produce in a unique atmosphere. This announcement is another example of events in South Australia returning, bigger and better than ever, with Harvest Rock set to be a staple in festival-goers’ calendars for many years to come.”

The Lumineers, The Avalanches, Genesis Owusu, The Living End, Cat Power, You Am I, Meg Mac, Marlon Williams, Holy Holy, Alex Cameron, Ruby Fields and Alien Stone are also set to perform at Harvest Rock.

Last month, Secret Sounds acquired Kicks Entertainment, a premier Australian event management company that founded Foreshore Festival, Warehouse Festival and flagship festival Spilt Milk.

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