While the announcement by Willie Smith’s & Sons Pty Ltd that next year’s Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival will be their last is disappointing, the Rockliff Liberal Government’s support for the festival remains in place.
Minister for Stadia and Events Nic Street said that the Government’s current agreement with Willie Smith’s & Sons Pty Ltd will not be impacted, with the 2024 event being the last contracted event to be delivered under the existing $330,000 three-year support agreement, through the Events Tasmania Major Event Partnerships Program.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government has supported this festival since 2014 which is held at the Willie Smith’s Apple Shed in the Huon Valley and celebrates the history, community and the spirit of the Huon Valley in the middle of winter with local artists, feasting, folk music and pagan tradition,” Minister Street said.
“While this decision is sad, Willie Smith’s & Sons Pty Ltd have advised Events Tasmania that they are considering options to deliver an alternative event in 2025, likely to occur at a different time of year from midwinter.
“Events Tasmania will remain in communication with Willie Smith’s to provide assistance and guidance into the future, as their plans develop.
“What we do know is that we expect the final Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival next year to go out with a massive bang, and I’m sure it’s going to be a huge celebration of the region.”
