Chapel Street Festival Cancelled Ahead Of Long-Awaited Return
Just weeks before the Chapel Street Festival was set to make its long-awaited return, organisers have announced it will not be taking place as planned.
Chapel Street Festival (Credit: Supplied)
Just weeks before it was set to return, the long-awaited revival of Melbourne’s Chapel Street Festival has been axed.
The festival, which was a longtime staple of Prahran’s cultural scene until it left the landscape in the early ‘00s, was set to take place on February 23rd. However, organisers have now revealed that day will pass with none of the festivities it was originally intended to feature.
“We remain dedicated to bringing this exciting celebration to life at a later date,” organisers wrote on social media on Friday. “We are committed to continuing our work with stakeholders, businesses, and the community to identify a new date and ensure we deliver an event that showcases the best of the Chapel Street Precinct.
“This decision reflects our determination to create a festival that not only meets but exceeds expectations for our vibrant community.”
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Last held in 2000, the Chapel Street Festival was initially planned to return in 2023 but was ultimately not held as planned. Its latest revival was announced in November, with organisers expected roughly 100,000 visitors to the precinct.
Among the plans were food trucks, market stalls, a classic car show, a wellness area, a kids zone, and a live music lineup, which was scheduled to be revealed on Wednesday.
However, despite the $450,000 in funding from the Victorian government, the festival – which would have been in competition with the St Kilda Festival the week prior – has now been kicked down the road to an as-yet-unknown date.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the festival planning journey thus far-your enthusiasm and encouragement have been truly appreciated,” organisers continued. “As we move forward, the CSPA remains focused on advocating for and supporting the businesses and is excited to continue marketing the iconic destination that is Chapel Street.
“We look forward to sharing updates with you as we refine our plans for the festival and will continue to celebrate everything that makes Chapel Street a unique and thriving hub for our community.”
This piece of content has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body
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