Next month’s Living Smart Festival has unfortunately been cancelled due to COVID-19 and subsequent public health restrictions.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the team behind the landmark annual event was “deeply disappointed” to make the decision.
“However, one of the fundamentals of ‘living smart’ is doing what you can to keep friends, family and our community safe, and in this case that means cancelling this year’s festival,” Ms Hemsley said.
Sadly, Feast for the Senses presented by Greater Bank, has also been cancelled.
Greater Bank Community Engagement Manager, Ingrid Kaczor said she was disappointed to lose such a wonderful community event, but understands and supports the reasons behind the decision.
“At Greater Bank, we know the importance of keeping our communities safe during these difficult times”
Ingrid Kaczor, Greater Bank Community Engagement Manager
“Although it is disappointing that the Living Smart Festival cannot proceed in 2021, we are positive that the event will return in 2022 bigger and better than ever, and we look forward to supporting the event once again.”
Planning is underway to host other popular elements of the festival, including the native plant giveaways and the Allambi Care School Garden Bed Competition, in alternative formats over coming months.
“We’re also preparing a fantastic podcast series featuring some of our top Living Smart Festival presenters, including Costa Georgiadis,” Ms Hemsley said.
“Other episodes will feature local musicians, organisations and community members who all share a passion for the environment and sustainability.”