MEDIA RELEASE
19 March 2020

South Australia’s History Festival 2020 cancelled

South Australia’s History Festival, which was scheduled to run from 1-31 May has been cancelled for 2020.

History Trust of South Australia CEO Greg Mackie said, “It is with heavy hearts we advise the community that we have made the responsible decision to cancel South Australia’s History Festival 2020.”

“Due to the uncertainty of the continually changing situation with the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is inadvisable to continue. The decision has been taken due to the limitations on numbers announced by the government of no more than 100 people at inside gatherings, the emphasis on social distancing and travel restrictions.

“This is an unprecedented and challenging time for everyone, but the health and safety of event organisers, patrons, team members, volunteers and our audiences must come first,” Mackie continued.

The Festival began in 2004 as SA History Week, and has grown each year – becoming a month-long program. This year’s festival would have featured 680 events registered across South Australia and presented by over 400 independent groups.

The History Trust of South Australia has commenced contacting event organisers and will continue to support the history community in South Australia.

“We recognise that a tremendous amount of time, energy and investment has already been put into the History Festival – both by the History Trust and the wider history community,” Mackie continued.

Event presenters and advertisers will be offered three options in respect of money already paid: a full refund, a credit against the 2021 History Festival – or a conversion to a tax deductible gift donation to the History Trust of South Australia Foundation.

“We are very grateful for the loyalty and understanding of the History Festival community. We wish everyone well during this time and look forward to seeing you at the 2021 History Festival.” Mackie concluded.

historyfestival.sa.gov.au
@historyfestival #SAHistoryFest

For media enquiries: Belinda Petersen belinda@bppr.com.au, 0402 358 000