The Australian festival scene seems to be experiencing a streak of bad luck. Just as we were grappling with the news of Splendour In The Grass cancelling this year’s event, Groovin The Moo (GTM) has delivered another blow.
It's been confirmed that GTM will not be returning in 2025.
The announcement was made by the organisers on Instagram this afternoon, leaving devoted fans puzzled and curious about the future of this cherished regional touring festival. In their message, they mentioned that they are pausing to explore a more sustainable approach for the festival.
“Groovin the Moo will not be taking place in 2025 as we focus on developing the most sustainable model for Australia’s beloved regional touring festival,” the statement declared.
“We will genuinely miss seeing the happy faces of our cherished Moo Crew – and that includes YOU!”
They still seem eager to revive the music festival, inviting fans to suggest artists they would love to see in future lineups. Perhaps it's a way to keep hope alive or to divert attention momentarily.
This isn't GTM's first encounter with challenges. Last year’s festival was canceled just two weeks after unveiling a lineup that included international stars like The Kooks, Melanie C, Jessie Reyez, and Stephen Sanchez. They attributed the cancellation to insufficient ticket sales.
Since 2005, GTM has been a cornerstone of the Aussie music scene, bringing renowned artists such as Billie Eilish and Denzel Curry to regional areas across the nation.
While the aim for sustainability is commendable, fans remain disappointed by the news.
One inventive suggestion was, “Consider alternating years with Splendour or a similarly sized festival. This way, festival-goers have different events to anticipate!”
This idea mirrors music festivals like Glastonbury, which take a fallow year every four to five years to allow the land to recover and rejuvenate. Hopefully, Groovin The Moo will devise a solution.
Another devoted fan shared their sorrow, stating, “This is heartbreaking, I hope the Moo can be revived because she’s truly special! My daughter & I have been attending every year in Bendigo.”
“Such a shame! We adore Groovin as it's one of the few all-ages festivals where I can bring my kids,” remarked another.
With both Splendour and now GTM on hiatus, it's evident that the Aussie festival scene is in desperate need of support. We all just want to dance in a field! Let’s hope they find a way to fulfill our dreams soon!!
