FOR a dozen years, Albury’s annual Applause Festival has built a solid reputation as one of the city’s premier community events.
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But for the first time, the event will go into recess for 12 months.
The organisers, Albury Central, say that is because the redevelopment of the Albury Art Gallery has significantly encroached upon QEII Square, a major venue for Applause Festival activities.
That is certainly understandable. It would be inappropriate to relocate the Applause Festival to another part of Albury given its close and ongoing association with the city’s central business district.
However, there can be no doubt the decision by Albury Council to reduce the cash and in-kind support for the festival must also be felt by organisers.
In cancelling this year’s event, Albury Central has given itself the opportunity to seek new partners to plan and stage a festival next year that will celebrate the new gallery and the city’s revitalised heart.
There will be disappointment on the part of many performers and audience members who look forward to the October event each year but it might also provide incentive for those with the financial means to get behind the festival and its hardworking organisers.
