AusLeisure

Parkes Shire Council recognises the popularity of the Trundle ABBA Festival, however due to increasing financial constraints and many competing essential service areas, Council is unable to continue funding the Trundle ABBA Festival in its current form.

The Trundle ABBA Festival attracts locals and visitors from across Australia and has provided a significant boost to local businesses, tourism and hospitality.

Council’s decision to discontinue funding of the event in its current form follows a two-year funding trial after the event's cancellation in 2022 due to significant inclement weather.

The 2023 festival saw over 2,200 fans descend onto Trundle's Berryman Oval for the ABBA Festival.

The 2024 festival marked its 10th year and celebrated the 50-year Anniversary of ABBA's win at the Eurovision Song Contest on 6th April 1974, with their chart-topping hit 'Waterloo'.

Despite funding concerns, Council is eager to see the event continue, and is currently exploring all possible funding opportunities, including grant funding, to support the festival's future.

Mayor of Parkes Shire, Neil Westcott, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while expressing appreciation for the Trundle community’s willingness to collaborate on potential solutions.

Mayor Westcott advised "we are saddened to make this decision about an event that brings so much joy to the community and visitors who travel from near and far to attend.”

Mayor Westcott noted that he has met with the Trundle Community alongside fellow Councillors and expressed his gratitude for their cooperation and openness to exploring alternative options adding “we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has played a part in making this festival a success, including organisers, volunteers, sponsors, performers, and attendees. Your passion and dedication have created something truly special, and we deeply appreciate your efforts.”

Looking ahead, Council is hopeful the festival can return in some form, whether through grant-funded Council support or as a community-led event backed by the Events Financial Assistance Program.

Council will continue working closely with the Trundle District Progress Association to explore all viable options and determine the best path forward.

Related Articles

3rd March 2025 - First speakers announced for 2025 Australian Festival Industry Conference

16th February 2025 - Victorian Government continues to support local live music festivals

15th January 2024 - 25,000 fans contribute to another successful Parkes Elvis Festival

6th December 2022 - Parkes Elvis Festival returns in 2023 to celebrate 30th anniversary

21st September 2022 - Program announced for Parkes Elvis Festival 30th Anniversary

13th April 2022 - Parkes Elvis Festival to deliver more than 200 Elvis and speedway inspired events

21st January 2022 - Rescheduled Tamworth Country Music Festival clashes with Parkes Elvis Festival

16th November 2021 - Parkes Elvis Festival returns in 2022 with events inspired by the speedway

31st October 2019 - Parkes Elvis Festival returns to boost economy for regional NSW

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.