This year’s edition of the Birdsville Big Red Bash has been cancelled after unprecedented rainfall and flooding across central Australia.
Organisers announced on Friday the site in Birdsville, on the edge of the Simpson Desert in Queensland, would not be able to dry out before the event was due to take place on July 7-9.
Touted as one of the world’s most remote music festivals, the event attracts about 10,000 revellers toward the Red Centre every year.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“The decision to cancel this year’s event, whilst difficult, is based on what we believe is in the best interest of the event and patrons,” said festival founder Greg Donovan.
“Mother Nature is the highest authority; this year she has spoken and we have heard the message.”
“We can’t express our gratitude enough to everyone who put their faith in us and purchased tickets to this year’s Bash, and we sincerely regret the disappointment the cancellation will cause for so many people.”
Oztix co-founder and managing director Stuart Field said it is an “incredibly tough call for Donovan and the Big Red Bash team, particularly with the event 90 per cent sold out”.
“The way Greg and his team have engaged directly with patrons and made this decision in their best interest, is a testament to the integrity and reputation they’ve built over many years,” Field said.
This year’s edition of the festival featured a stacked Australian line-up including Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, and The Whitlams.
Most of the artists featured on the line-up have committed to returning for the Big Red Bash 2027.
Ticketholders have been given until June 19 to receive a refund or have their tickets transferred to the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash taking place this August.
They are also able to hold onto their tickets which will be transferred to next year’s festival.
Donovan called on Australians to still visit regional Australia even with the festival’s cancellation.
“Although attending the Big Red Bash sadly won’t be possible this year, the outback will be wide open and looking forward to welcoming travellers with true Outback hospitality,” he said.
“After the recent rains, the greenery and wildflowers will be stunning.
“It will be a fantastic year to get out there, so we urge our patrons not to cancel travel plans and to head out to enjoy everything our beautiful outback offers.“
