Cabramatta Moon Festival Cancelled

Published on 29 June 2020

Heads of colourful lion dancing puppets lying on the ground

Fairfield City Council has cancelled its Cabramatta Moon Festival scheduled to be held in Cabramatta Town Centre on Sunday, 27 September 2020.

The cancellation is in line with directives from NSW and federal governments limiting the number of attendees at outdoor cultural events, and as part of Fairfield City Council’s ongoing efforts to protect the community’s health and wellbeing.

The NSW Government has announced that from 1 July 2020, cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25% of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.

Cabramatta Moon Festival regularly attracts 90,000 visitors, is not ticketed and involves entertainment and activities held over multiple venues, as well as amusement rides, merchandise and food stalls, and roving entertainment.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said the health and wellbeing of the community is Council’s highest priority.

“The Moon Festival attracts tens of thousands of people from around Sydney and interstate. On that basis the event cannot proceed given the risks,” Mayor Carbone said.

“Under current government restrictions, the event cannot go ahead due to the size, layout, and that it is not ticketed or gated.

“I know that many people in the community will be disappointed that the Cabramatta Moon Festival can’t go ahead this year, but this is to protect the wellbeing of the community and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“Anyone who has been to Cabramatta Moon Festival knows that part of the experience is mingling and celebrating with the large crowds of visitors. Many of these visitors come from all over Sydney, NSW and interstate. This is simply too big a risk during the pandemic.

“We have also spoken with key stakeholder who have expressed their concerns at the potential health risks. Council shares their concerns.

“I look forward to welcoming everyone back to Cabramatta for the 2021 Cabramatta Moon Festival and celebrating all the things that make our City great.

“Council continues to review all of its events and services, and align them with the advice and directives of the NSW and federal governments and NSW Health.

“We will keep the community updated on further changes to Council’s events and services and we thank everyone for their understanding during this challenging time.”

Council will continue to update the community on changes to its services as and when changes occur on social media and its website. For a full list of changes, visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus