The elrow Bondi Beach XXL New Year’s Eve and Locals Lawn Family Zone events have been cancelled in the wake of the tragic mass shooting during a Chanukah function at Bondi Beach on Sunday (14 December).
The decision was made in conjunction with Waverley Council, the local council, and the event organisers, international promoters elrow and Australia’s Fuzzy.
Sharing the update on social media yesterday (17 December), the statement reads: “Our hearts are with everyone affected by the tragedy at Bondi Beach. What happened has deeply shaken our community and all who call this place home.
“We have been working closely with Waverley Council over the past couple of days, focusing on compassion and care for Sydney’s Jewish community and all those impacted, allowing NSW Police to further progress their investigations.
“Hand-in-hand with Waverley Council we need to inform you that the planned New Year’s Eve events at Bondi Beach, elrow Bondi Beach XXL and Locals Lawn Family Zone, will not be going ahead.”
The statement added that all ticketholders have been contacted via email, and elrow Bondi Beach XXL punters will receive automatic full refunds within seven business days.
The statement continued, “Our team includes many who live in and love Bondi. We built these events to reflect everything Bondi stands for: community, coming together, joy, connection and inclusivity.
“We know thousands from our community, Australia, and abroad were looking forward to seeing New Year’s Eve return to Bondi Beach for the first time in over a decade, but in Bondi we look out for each other, especially in moments of heartbreak.
“When the time is right, we will come back together with the same spirit of care, connection and joy that defines us. You can find a full list of FAQs on our website.”
In September, elrow announced that it would host the Bondi Beach XXL New Year’s Eve event this year. The line-up included exclusive performances by HoneyLuv, Kölsch, Patrick Topping, TSHA and William Kiss.
The festival would have been home to two dramatic stages: the Rowmunda, which showcases a towering pirate ship that’s locked in battle with a giant sea monster, and the Pink Cathedral, a brightly coloured inflatable church tent.
Locals Lawn Family Zone would have accompanied the 18+ music event, with food trucks, performers, and a 9 pm fireworks display on show.
