Planning is under way for the relaunch of a popular seaside festival to take place in early 2024.
Renamed the Bay Escape Festival, Port MacDonnell will once again come alive to celebrate all things Port MacDonnell.
An annual general meeting held in May exceeded expectations when 13 members, including 11 new members, signed up to the committee.
Mary Manson was elected to the position of chairperson and coordinator and will oversee the planning of the event.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-running festival was first cancelled in 2021.
It was regarded at one of the Limestone Coast’s longest running annual festivals.
Held every year at the end of summer, the all-ages street party celebrated with the best food, wine and vendors from across the region.
In 2019, the event underwent a major rebrand in line with community feedback and the Bay Escape, formerly known as the Bayside Festival, was established.
Previous event coordinator Ryan Donovan had reported it was disappointing to not be able to proceed with the festival.
“With rising COVID-19 case numbers in our community, and the changing landscape of restrictions associated with the running of events, we had no choice but to cancel,” he said.
The Bay Escape Committee will begin preparations for the 2024 event in the coming months and is looking for volunteers to help bring the successful event back.
At Grant District Council’s June monthly meeting, chief executive Daryl Whicker shared his support for the return of the event.
“It will be one of those festivals that can have some longevity that we should support,” Mr Whicker said.
“At last count around 6000 people attended.
It is unique to Grant District Council.
“It is terrific to get the committee up and running again.”
In an effort to reestablish and continue the event beyond 2024, Mr Whicker foreshadowed a funding request.
“A budget review is appropriate.
“My view is we should have seed funding available to help reestablish community put on events,” he said.
Meanwhile, in her report presented to council, Growth and Tourism manager Rebecca Perkin said it would be good to have the event back on the social calendar.
