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Gigs Forced To Relocate As Gosford's Drifters Wharf Shuts Amid Landlord Dispute

Tyler Jenke

“Due to an unresolved dispute with our landlord, we’re currently unable to operate as planned,” the venue told patrons.

What So Not performing live
What So Not performing live(Credit: Terry Soo)

Upcoming gigs at Gosford’s Drifters Wharf are being forced to move, with the coastal venue shutting its doors amidst a dispute with their landlord.

As Coast Community News reports, the venue’s landlord, Gosford Holding Pty Ltd, posted a notice to the front door of the establishment on April 25th, announcing the termination of the lease, a revocation of license, and preventing both staff and patrons from entering the premises, citing a "non-payment of rent/outgoings" and a breach of lease.

With events planned across the Anzac Day weekend, heated discussions about the reasons for the closure and the future of the venue arose on community pages on social media, with Drifters Wharf themselves addressing the issue in a message shared to Instagram.

“Due to an unresolved dispute with our landlord, we’re currently unable to operate as planned,” they wrote. “This may take some time to resolve.

“All shows and functions over the next 30 days will be relocated to different venues, and refunds will be available where required. All reservations are cancelled until further notice.”

Currently, Drifters Wharf has a number of gigs booked through until October, including performances from the likes of PNAU, Thundamentals, Playlunch, What So Not, WHAT SO NOT, Rachael Fahim, Yes Boone, Paul Dempsey, and more.

A handful of events have already been relocated, with Tapestry: The Carole King Experience shifting their April 26th performance at the last-minute to Breakers Country Club, while Playlunch’s May 1st gig has been shifted to the nearby Woodport Hotel in Erina.

Australian Idol finalist Kalani Artis has noted on Instagram that a new venue would be announced soon for his May 17th show, while Live Baby Live: The INXS Tribute Show have announced a decision to move their May 22nd performance to an alternative venue if necessary, stating that "it is highly likely that one way or another that the show will proceed".

While the majority of shows scheduled for the coming weeks are expected to announce replacement venues soon, performances outside of the “next 30 days” as mentioned by Drifters Wharf will likely announce new locations as further information regarding the venue’s future comes to light.