Long Running Festival Calls It A Day

After almost 20 years since it began, festival promoter Neil Mumme has today sadly announced that 2015 will be the last time that the Great Southern Blues Festival takes place.

In a prepared statement, Mumme explained that the increasing amount of festivals and compliance issues were some reasons, among others, that lead to the unfortunate decision. 

"When we started this event in 1996 I never envisaged it would grow to become one of the most respected and loved blues festivals in Australia but our success and future is being challenged in many ways," Mumme said. 

"In what is proving to be a most difficult year the time seems right to pull up stumps on our current format. Expectations, the proliferation of festivals, compliance issues and most importantly a serious health issue for a Rhonda (Festival Administrator and my partner) are some of the forces behind us closing this door and exploring new ideas and options for 'Narooma' going forward."

In light of the upsetting news, Mumme did reveal however that he is working with his staff to move forward and develop new options. 

"To be totally honest I am feeling both sad and relieved at the decision we have made today, but am equally excited about the options going forward. We look forward to catching up with all our friends and supporters in a few weeks."

The decision comes just a month after Mumme blamed Prime Minister Tony Abbott for low ticket sales, citing his "unrelenting dialogue on terrorism" as the reason behind it. 

To coincide with what will now be a farewell event for the Narooma spectacle, for the next two weeks adjusted ticket prices have been arranged for both single day tickets and weekend packages — click here for more details.

For more information on the upcoming event which takes place from 2 October to 4 October, head to the festival website.