Cancellation of Coastal Jam Festival Due to Cost-of-Living Crisis

A major music festival, known as Coastal Jam, has been cancelled shortly before it was set to begin, with organisers pointing to the cost-of-living crisis as the reason for the decision. The event was scheduled to take place on January 13 on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. This festival has been a popular gathering since its inception in 2017, featuring live bands, electronic music, and both local and international artists.

Cancellation Announcement

According to Adam Metwally, the event organiser, the decision to cancel the festival was not made lightly. Metwally took to Instagram to inform attendees that the festival would no longer go ahead, acknowledging the financial strain that is affecting potential participants. 'Everyone that I know has been feeling the sting of the cost of living crisis,' he explained, adding that this situation has impacted ticket sales for smaller-scale events like Coastal Jam.

Impact on Boutique Festivals

Metwally expressed his understanding of music fans' current financial priorities, which tend to favor larger festivals and international tours over smaller events. Despite efforts to maintain affordable ticket prices, he noted that this was insufficient to sustain the festival for this year. The organiser conveyed his apologies for the disappointment caused by the cancellation.

Event History and Expectations

The Coastal Jam has been a fixture in various scenic Victoria towns including Geelong, Warnambool, and Torquay. Anticipation for this year's event was high, with an estimated attendance of up to 5,000 people and performances by renowned Aussie artists and bands slated to take the stage. The lineup included acts like DICE, Mathilde Anne, and Sunday Honey, alongside international performers such as US rapper Bryce Vine and hip-hop producer Austin Millz.

Refunds and Future Plans

All ticket holders are eligible for a full refund or a credit for a future event. Metwally stressed the financial risks involved in proceeding with the festival amid low ticket sales, noting the potential for 'catastrophic loss' that could jeopardize future events. Despite the setback, supporters have shared messages of encouragement, expressing their eagerness to attend when the festival returns.

Related Event Cancellations

The cancellation of Coastal Jam follows a similar fate of other music events, including Sydney's Summerground music festival, which was also called off due to economic pressures and rising operational costs. The Summerground festival, arranged by Sydney Festival in 2024, was intended to be a three-day affair but faced the same financial challenges.

festival, cancellation, crisis