The music scene in Australia has taken a hit with the abrupt cancellation of a beloved festival. The organizers of Changing Tides, a boutique music festival that had promised to draw crowds to the scenic clifftops of Kiama, just south of Sydney, have announced that this year’s event, scheduled for November 22, will not proceed. Moreover, they confirmed that the festival would not be held in the future.

In a heartfelt email sent to ticket holders today, the organizers expressed their regret and explained that the decision to cancel was made after thorough consideration. According to a report from Rolling Stone, they stated, “This decision has not been made lightly and follows careful consideration.”

The organizers conveyed their disappointment, saying, “We’re truly devastated, but also deeply grateful for the love, excitement, and support so many of you have shown along the way.” They further added, “While this chapter is coming to a close, we’re incredibly thankful to everyone who believed in the vision of Changing Tides, helped bring it to life, and made beautiful memories with us in Kiama.”

“This decision has not been made lightly and follows careful consideration,” they said, Rolling Stone reported.

“We’re truly devastated, but also deeply grateful for the love, excitement, and support so many of you have shown along the way.

“While this chapter is coming to a close, we’re incredibly thankful to everyone who believed in the vision of Changing Tides, helped bring it to life and made beautiful memories with us in Kiama.”

All ticketholders will automatically receive a complete refund within the coming week. 

Changing Tides did not say what contributed to its decision-making. 

9news.com.au has approached organisers for comment.

The annual music festival, held by Harlow Events, has sold out in the past two years since it started in 2023. 

This year’s event was seen as a major win for the region due to the major names included in the Australian and international line-up, headlined by UK singer Sam Fender.

Noah Cyrus, The Rubens, Skegss, MAY-A and Boy Soda were also booked to perform.

Organisers chose to host the music festival in Kiama to make it a “sought-after destination for acclaimed artists, music lovers and foodies which will also generate a nursery for home grown talent and business”.

Today’s cancellation is yet another addition to the growing list of canned Australian music festivals, with the industry seemingly unable to recover from economic strains and the cost of living.

So far this year, Groovin’ in the Moo, Souled Out, Good Life, Esoteric and Panama music festivals have been scrapped.

Most attributed the sudden cancellations to financial pressures.