Shellharbour City Council has made the difficult decision to cancel the Hidden Forest Festival, which was scheduled to go ahead this Saturday 9 April.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the most recent weather forecasts had left Council with no other choice.

If the weather arrived as predicted, he said the events team would not be able to set up the site safely, posing a high risk for Council’s contractors, partners, crew and artists.

“I know how much people were looking forward to this event. Council staff have put so much work and expertise into organising what would have been a top quality festival. We are extremely saddened and disappointed to have to make this decision,” Mayor Homer said. 

“Unfortunately, if we cannot access and set up the site across Thursday and Friday, logistically we are not able to proceed with the event.

“Additionally, this event in particular is designed to showcase and celebrate the beautiful natural environment. We take seriously our responsibility to protect that Blackbutt Forest. It is clear that proceeding with the event under these weather conditions could cause significant damage to the site.

“As a Council, we have worked hard to ensure that each and every event and experience we provide is the best that it can possibly be. In consideration of the weather event forecasted across the next few days and the safety risks it poses, it is increasingly obvious that we will not be able to meet these expectations,” he said.

Ticket holders are being contacted to organise refunds.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.