The Slim Dusty Foundation and Chandler Shaw Events regret to announce that due to the ongoing spectre of COVID-19 and its potential to restrict or cancel events, the Slim Dusty Kempsey Festival will not be proceeding in 2021.
The past 15 months have been hugely challenging for festivals and the music industry due to the high level of risk that is unfortunately still with us because of the pandemic.
The good news is that the festival has been rescheduled and will now be held from Thursday 8th to Sunday 11th September 2022 inclusive.
Echoing this statement, Chairman of the Slim Dusty Foundation, Dr David Kirkpatrick said today "Whilst it is very disappointing to have to postpone the Slim Dusty Kempsey Festival until next year, we wish to assure everyone that we want to present the best possible event we can and that is just not achievable in the current environment. We are determined to make the 2022 festival a special event for all of us and we thank you for patience and understanding – it will be worth it!".
Kempsey Shire Council Mayor, Cr Liz Campbell, was also positive about the future of the festival when commenting about the postponement; While it's disheartening to have the event postponed, the past 15 months have taught us all to appreciate just how complex it is to organise major events. We can be positive and know that it's not that far away before we'll have tickets booked and a fantastic Slim Dusty celebration to look forward to in 2022."
The artist lineup and program will be announced on Monday 1st November 2021 with tickets on sale on Friday 19th November.
Full details about the festival will be published from 1st November on the festival website with regular updates on our social media platforms.
Organisers and the Slim Dusty Foundation are looking forward to hosting what is sure to be a celebratory festival in more certain times.
So why not book your tickets and plan your get away to Kempsey and the beautiful Macleay Valley Coast in 2022.
The Slim Dusty Kempsey Festival Team.
