Penrith City Council has axed this year’s Real Festival.
Ongoing infrastructure works along the Nepean River will make the September event too difficult to stage, Council says.
The event will return in September 2023.
It is the third year in a row that the festival has been called off.
“COVID-19 led to the cancellation of our 2020 and 2021 festival and, with the need to cancel for a third time, we share the disappointment with the community and festival artists and crew,” Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said.
“Our beautiful festival site on the bank of the Nepean River is undergoing significant infrastructure works. These works will run until the end of the year, and while this means we can’t hold a large-scale event there this year, they will lead to an even better festival experience in 2023!”
The Tench Reserve upgrades are being led by the NSW Government as part of the Parks for People program and are now expected to be complete by late 2022.
But residents don’t have to wait until next year for a festival vibe in Penrith. Council will stage ROAM Festival in the city centre on Saturday, November 26 and Sunday, November 27.
“I encourage you to let yourself ROAM as you explore the city centre and enjoy art installations, music and kids’ activities with entertainment from roving performers and tasty treats from food trucks,” Cr Hitchen said.
