Port Fairy's Spring Music Festival cancelled to coronavirus, alternative program in the works

October would have marked the 30^th Port Fairy Spring Music Festival but the festival chair Penny Hutchinson and the board made the tough decision on Tuesday night to cancel their program.

"As with many other arts organisations, we cannot predict whether it will be possible to mount a festival this year in the form we all love; that immersive three springtime days in Port Fairy, with musicians, the community, audiences and visitors all intermingling around the Reardon Theatre, St John's Church, the Lecture Hall and even the Stadium," Ms Hutchinson said.

"Taking all of the risks and uncertainties into account, the board has decided that the Festival will not go ahead for 2020 in the usual format.

"Instead, the artistic directors are looking at other ways we can bring the 'Festival' to life."

The State Government has guaranteed funding support for 2020 and 2021 program and the festival board at looking at alternative ways to keep the music playing this spring.

"The government is encouraging our festival to plan for the future, recognising in particular our community engagement, our commitment to First Nations content and the overall excellence in artistic programming," Ms Hutchinson said.

"Minister Foley and Creative Victoria have been clear that they want the arts organisations of Victoria to survive through this time and be ready to reinvigorate the cultural life of the Victorian community after the crisis is over.

"The Port Fairy Spring Music Festival will be part of that."

While Port Fairy's spring will look a lot different this year, the festival board is confident music will still be celebrated and they are welcoming ideas to make the event possible in different format.

For more information head to portfairyspringfest.com.au

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