The saga surrounding Maitreya Festival finally came to what many agreed was its inevitable conclusion yesterday after organisers of the beloved Victorian bush doof announced the event would not go ahead this year.
Controversy and speculation had been circulating the festival since it was denied a permit by the local Buloke Shire Council and subsequently refused an appeal at VCAT, with organisers deciding to go ahead with the event regardless.
In a statement, organisers apologised for the eventual outcome, writing, “Due to circumstances beyond our control it is with a heavy heart that I now come to inform you that the Festival will not proceed as planned.”
“We’ve tried every possible avenue of keeping our beautiful festival afloat, but unfortunately as of early this morning that is no longer possible. We will provide you a full update as soon as we can.”
However, that statement was later deleted without explanation. Another statement soon appeared on the festival’s official Facebook page, blaming bad weather for the cancellation of what had become a totally unsanctioned event.
“To the dear people of our tribe, we are having to call off the event due to the weather that has occurred up onsite the past 24 hours,” they wrote. “There is no safe way into and out of the site. We urge you not to come as it is not safe onsite.”
However, Buloke Shire Council have since come out and rubbished organisers’ claims that poor weather and a bogged down site were to blame for the festival’s cancellation, instead citing widespread logistical issues.
“The Maitreya Festival has cancelled the Festival at Wooroonook Lakes on its website today just after 1pm,” they wrote. “Even before this it was clear the Festival would have been unrecognisable this year.”
“Not only had nearly all the food vendors pulled out but the partly constructed toilets wouldn’t have been serviced and the security and fire protection contractors had withdrawn.”
“Previously contracted sound and lighting companies had decided not to attend but that is probably a moot point because the rental companies providing power and other facilities are removing their generators and light towers from the site.”
“Without power, the music won’t be the same and the lack of lighting will see activities finishing early. The weather was also looking grim with rain scheduled for Sunday.”
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“The CFA has banned cooking fires; enforcing this with on the spot fines. To cap it all off, the Festival’s insurance company had cancelled its policy.”
“Festival goers will not find a Festival if they do arrive and should be careful not to attend. No facilities will be available. The local Charlton Forum is advising festival goers not to come.”
However, what has punters concerned at the moment is the absence of any mention of forthcoming refunds from organisers. Ticket-holders have subsequently swarmed the festival’s Facebook page asking when refund details will be announced.
