When: June Long Weekend 2022
Where: Bettington St, Merriwa
Due to the latest developments around Coronavirus and its impact on events and festivals the Festival of the Fleeces is cancelled for 2021.
Due to the constantly changing nature of the pandemic the Festival of the Fleeces organising committee have unanimously agreed that the event, as it has traditionally been delivered for 29 years, cannot be held in a manner that is safe and economically viable in 2021.
The Festival of the Fleeces is adapting and the committee has gotten ‘COVID-creative’ for 2021. Designed to embrace and capture the same community enthusiasm and spirit that this event is known for, the hybrid version will be experienced through a mix of activities. There will be a showcase of Merriwa from the main street, to the storefronts, to the footpaths, and to front yards. Visual displays and tributes to the history of the festival will lead up to a festival first – an online digital display that brings together two icons of the town – silo art and the traditional running of the sheep.
“We are looking forward to presenting a scaled down digitalised event that still captures the great spirit of the festival of the fleeces. The committee acknowledges the support of the UHSC in running this signature event at Merriwa.” Cr Campbell said.
Upper Hunter General Manager Greg McDonald, was informed of the committee’s decision and understands the position taken. “it is the committee and the community that guides and leads the organisation of Festival of the Fleeces and I know they have the best interests of the event at heart.”
“The support Council has provided for the event in the past as part of the chartered agreement will continue this year and into the future.”
Mayor Collison said “I recognise the value of this festival to the Merriwa Community not just in financial terms but in bringing people together to celebrate all that is great in the Australian Wool Industry. I can understand residents may be disappointed that we are not yet able to return to ‘life as normal’ and have the festival as we want it in 2021, but we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and as such I respect the committee’s decision to scale down the event in 2021.”
“I encourage you to support the event in 2021, and look forward to attending the Festival of the Fleeces, in all its red sock and sheep glory in 2022.”
For more information visit: http://www.festivalofthefleeces.com.au/