Waverley Council’s celebration of arts and culture – Bondi Festival – will now be held in winter 2021. 

The decision to postpone the event planned for 26 September – 10 October 2020 follows a review of the most up-to-date advice regarding COVID-19 restrictions. 

Festival Co-Director Rachel Chant said when the Council first announced its festival dates for 2020, all signs indicated that with some alterations to the offering and a rigorous safety plan, a physical festival would still be able to go ahead. 

“However, these are changing and challenging times, and in the current environment we want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to minimise the spread of COVID-19, even if that means canceling this year’s event,” Ms Chant said. 

“Albeit disappointing, the team at Bondi Festival know this is the only responsible decision, as the health and safety of our community is our top priority. We are looking forward to planning a wonderful offering next year.” 

Festival Co-Director Phil Spencer added: “We had explored putting on a completely virtual Festival, but Bondi Festival is intrinsically tied to the iconic suburb in which it takes place.  

“The feeling was the Festival wouldn’t translate online as well as it would do live and we were better off postponing to next year when we can return with a bang”. 

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said Bondi Festival will return in winter 2021 as vibrant as ever. 

“We are so looking forward to bringing Bondi Festival to Sydney to celebrate the incredible art and entertainment on our doorstep and against the backdrop of Australia’s most famous beach,” Mayor Masselos said.