The Beagle
Mar 18, 2020
Narooma Oyster Festival has been postponed until 1 May 2021.
The Board of Narooma Oyster Festival Ltd today announced the 2020 festival will be
postponed until 2021 following the recommendation by the Australian Government and
health authorities that gatherings of more than 500 people should not proceed in order to
reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Festival Chair Cath Peachey said that while postponing the event is disappointing for the
many visitors and festival regulars, it is the right thing to do. It will also be sorely felt by the
region following the economic setback caused by the recent bushfires.
“We need to do our bit to help control the spread of coronavirus,” Ms Peachey said. “The
safety of our visitors and community is paramount.
“This decision was difficult because our not-for-profit festival is so important to the local
business community as we head into winter.
“The 2020 festival was shaping up to be our best yet. Ticket sales were exceeding targets;
general admission tickets were up 210% on this time last year and the Long Table Dinner
sold out in two weeks. My thoughts are with our oyster farmers, stallholders and
community who will be affected by this decision.”
Ms Peachey said the Board will invest its energy into delivering an exciting calendar of
smaller bespoke events with the aim to continue to promote Narooma, the local oyster
industry and culinary tourism on the NSW south coast.
“Much of the Board’s discussion today was about innovation because situations like this
mean we need to think outside the box and look at fresh ways to deliver outcomes for our
sponsors, oyster farmers and community,” she said.
Narooma Oyster Festival, a hallmark food event for the NSW south coast, was scheduled to
run from 1 May to 2 May 2020. Postponing to 2021 means that all events associated with
the two-day festival will not proceed in 2020.
Those who have purchased tickets will receive a full refund in coming days.