Ash Bolt
The Surf Coast will be without one of its largest events going forward, with Falls Festival announcing its plans to move.
The popular music festival had been held in Lorne since its inception in 1993, but last week the festival’s organisers announced plans to move Falls Festival to Pennyroyal Plains in Murroon when it returned in December 2022.
“It has been a privilege to operate Falls Festival in such beautiful locations and we’re so thankful to the Surf Coast Shire … and supporting stakeholders of Lorne who have shown Falls Festival such incredible support over the years,” festival promoters Jess Ducrou and Paul Piticco said.
“Lorne is where Falls Festival started so we want to give a particularly special shout out to the locals there.
“You have been instrumental in making the festival all that it is today, and we’ll always be grateful to the community for their long-time support.”
The event was one of the largest in the Surf Coast’s calendar each year and brought more than 15,000 visitors to the region.
Surf Coast Shire Council environment and development general manager Ransce Salan said while it was sad to lose the festival, its new location just 30 minutes down the road meant the region would still see benefits.
“We are of course saddened that the Falls Festival won’t return to Lorne, however we are pleased that it will remain nearby at Pennyroyal Plains, which means it will still deliver flow on benefits for our local businesses and community,” he said.
“Over the past 27 years the Falls Festival has grown from humble beginnings to become one of Australia’s most iconic music festivals, attracting some 16,500 people every year.
“There are so many examples over the years of people coming to Lorne for the first time because of the Falls Festival and returning for holidays regularly after at other times of the year.
“With such a long history and deep connection to Lorne, the decision to relocate was not an easy decision for the event organisers
“The Surf Coast Shire Council has always had, and will continue to have, a great relationship with the Falls Festival event organisers. We understand their position and wish the event nothing but success in its new location.”
When the festival returns next year, it will be the first time it has been held in Victoria since 2018.
Both the 2021 and 2020 festivals were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2019 festival was cancelled due to bushfire risks.
The festival is held between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
