The future of the Blue Water Country Music Festival has never been more uncertain with organisers conceding that they do not have the funds to host the event in its current format.
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While venues are being encouraged to host country-themed events during the June long weekend, the traditional festival offerings organised by the Tomaree Business Chamber will be notably absent this year.
“Although the chamber would like the Blue Water Country Music Festival to proceed this year we have inadequate resources to organise and fund the event,” Peter Clough, the chamber’s business development officer and a past coordinator of the festival, said.
“Last year the chamber needed to inject considerable funds even though the event was conducted by volunteers. We apologise but unfortunately we do not have the human or financial resources to conduct the event this year.”
The four-day festival attracts about 5000 people each year and injects more than $1 million into the Port Stephens economy.
Started in 2006, the festival was originally funded through government grants. Last year the $70,000 required to run the festival was funded by Port Stephens Council, sponsors and the chamber.
Mr Clough, one of the founders of the festival and a driving force behind its organisation in the years since, said the festival has strong economic benefits for the Port but a new approach to its management and funding is needed to make it sustainable.
“Right now the festival relies on a volunteer willing to organise it, volunteers to help throughout the weekend and the support of the council, sponsors and the chamber,” he said. “This year the chamber is not in a position to run the festival. No one is able to coordinate it. The board will reconsider next year.”
The most noticeable changes to the festival will be the lack of activity in the Nelson Bay CBD. Buskers are still being invite to perform in the CBD, but unlike last year, there will be no competition.
Stockton Street, which the chamber closed last year at the corner of Victoria Parade for a stage and to create a festival hub, will remain open during the June long weekend.
While there will be no marquee for music and competitions in Apex Park this year, d’Albora Marinas has said it will host country music acts at its stage throughout the weekend.
Soldiers Point Bowling Club, Shoal Bay Country Club, Nelson Bay Golf Club and West Nelson Bay Diggers will host country music acts across the long weekend.
The festival’s bootscooting activities traditionally held at Soldiers Point Bowling Club and Wests Nelson Bay Diggers will not be affected.