Meadow Festival in Victoria ends due to financial struggles

A popular music festival in Victoria's south-west will take place for the last time this weekend. The Meadow festival, held in the town of Bambra, has been a key event for local and international artists for many years. It has grown from a small gathering to a beloved festival in a scenic setting. The festival will feature MJ Lenderman, a well-known contemporary musician, as the headliner. Many are saddened by the news that Meadow will close due to rising costs and lower ticket sales. Organizers say it has become too difficult to operate financially. Cameron Wade, co-director of the festival, highlighted several challenges. He noted that the rising cost of living has made it harder for younger people to afford tickets, which are the festival's main audience. Rising rental costs for equipment and difficulties navigating council regulations have also worsened the situation. In recent months, multiple festivals across Australia have announced they are shutting down. This trend has raised concerns among artists and festival-goers about losing cultural events that bring communities together. Local musician Archie Shannon emphasized the importance of festivals like Meadow, saying they are vital for promoting community spirit and discovering new artists. Many feel that the closure of Meadow will be a significant loss for the local community. Despite the sad news, Annie-Rose Maloney, who played at the first Meadow festival, expressed gratitude for being part of the final event. She and others plan to celebrate the festival's legacy this weekend as they reflect on its impact over the past decade.