Australia's premier music festival Splendour in the Grass has announced its cancellation for 2024, marking the second consecutive year of closure. The festival organizers cited the need for a "breather" to recharge and plan future events.

The cancellation reportedly stems from difficulties in securing high-caliber international headliners. Previously, the festival has hosted renowned artists including Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, The Strokes, Lizzo, and Coldplay. The 2023 lineup had planned to feature Kylie Minogue, Future, and Arcade Fire before its cancellation.

Operating since 2001 at Ngarindjin/North Byron Parklands, New South Wales, Splendour in the Grass has been managed by Live Nation-backed Secret Sounds since 2013. Despite the temporary pause, organizers have hinted at new developments for Australian music lovers in the coming months.

This cancellation reflects a broader trend affecting music festivals globally. The Africa Oyé festival in Liverpool has also announced a break for 2025 due to rising costs, despite record attendance in 2024. In response to similar challenges, the UK's Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) is advocating for reduced VAT rates on ticket sales to help sustain the industry.

While organizers promise a stronger return "when the time is right," this development highlights the ongoing challenges facing large-scale music events in the post-pandemic landscape, particularly regarding operational costs and talent acquisition.

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