Albury Central, which runs the event, announced yesterday the festival wouldn’t go ahead this year while the art gallery redevelopment is encroaching on part of QEII Square.

Buskers, acrobats and other entertainers perform in the streets and QEII Square during the festival.

EDITORIAL: Just a pause for Applause

Last month, Albury Council slashed $17,000 in cash and in-kind support for the festival for the next two financial years.

It was part of a further reduction in financial backing for Albury Central.

Albury Central president Daniel Brear said the event would return next year, but modifications could be made due to the loss of funding.

“We understand the council is trying to streamline things,” he said.

“We were very disappointed because we see the funding as vital to what we do. But we will adjust accordingly.”

The Applause Festival is held each October and has been running for more than a decade.

Zauner Construction, which is building the new-look art gallery, has taken over a large part of QEII Square, creating temporary access from Kiewa Street for construction-related vehicles.

The art gallery project is not expected to be completed until mid-next year.

Mr Brear said moving the festival to other venues had been ruled out.

“It has been in the central business district and QEII Square for 12 years and been very successful in that location,” he said.

“If we move we are taking away from the central business district, which is what Albury Central is all about.

“We didn’t want to detract from what has been a wonderfully successful event.

“This decision has been well on our agenda since the last event and discussed in length with council personnel before any funding decisions were made.”

Mr Brear said a working party would be established to begin planning for next year’s event to ensure it was “even more exciting”.

“We will look at partnering with anyone to take Applause to an even higher level.

Wodonga’s Carnivale is also off for this year.