'It Goes Against Our Values': So Frenchy So Chic Slams Govt As Event Axed

French-inspired festival So Frenchy So Chic has announced that the Sydney leg of its 2022 run has been cancelled.

The event, which was scheduled to take place on February 19, was set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in the city, with a packed music line-up alongside food and wine pairings. 

The current public health orders in Sydney have banned audience participation at major events, therefore preventing So Frenchy So Chic from delivering the experience they intended. 

The Melbourne leg of the festival will go ahead as planned on February 13.

The festival organisers released a harrowing statement amid the announcement.

The 2022 programme of live performances involved strong audience participation as the DNA of our festival is about celebrating joie de vivre through dancing and singing.

We do not want to have to police whether you can sing or dance. It goes against our values of freedom of expression.

So Frenchy So Chic has spent the last decade-plus bringing the best of France to the communities in Melbourne and Sydney. Each festival has been a wonderful celebration of our music, cuisine and joie de vivre.

It’s very disappointing that none of the Create NSW programs can assist So Frenchy So Chic during this difficult period of restrictions imposed by the State of NSW itself. Boutique events like ours contribute considerably to the cultural diversity and economy of the state.  

We have tried but are unable to reschedule this year’s festival due to artist and park availability.