Victoria’s Castlemaine Festival calls in administrators

The Castlemaine State Festival has entered voluntary administration as a result of lower than anticipated attendance last year.

In a statement, the organisers of the biennial festival, which has been running since 1976, advised that administration was the only responsible option under the circumstances, explaining “we understand that this will be upsetting for the many people who have supported, enjoyed and championed our festival over many years, as it is for the board and staff.”

Festival board Chair Lucy Mayes said she hoped the move would allow the festival to return.

Last year’s festival saw 38,000 attendees over 17 days but was hit by bad weather over both weekends.

Former Castlemaine Festival board member Mark Anstey said there had been less community involvement in the festival over the last few years, telling the Sydney Morning Herald “there’s been less community involvement, there’s been no schools programs and fewer big, free, celebratory events. It just felt like it was a step backwards, it was getting more exclusive.

“While the state festival has been floundering, the fringe festival has been barrelling forward.”

The Festival had been partly funded by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Mount Alexander Shire, with donors and ticket sales covering the rest.

It elected a new board in December 2023, which included six new board members who brought a wealth of professional experience and fresh enthusiasm to the role. The board indicated it was ready to take charge and work with stakeholders to bring back the famous biennial festival to its best for its 25th edition in 2025 and 50th year in 2026.

A spokesperson for Creative Victoria advised “this is a challenging time for the festival board and team as they work through complex issues.

“We will continue to work with the festival board and the administrators as they seek to better understand the festival’s position and options for the future, including the next steps for the Castlemaine Goods Shed project.”

Administrators Deloitte Financial Advisory said they would examine the options “to restructure the operations, preserve the legacy of the festival and determine a path forward”.

The announcement of the Festival's administration comes just a day after the Victorian Government announced a new $10 million grant funding program for festivals, venues and musicians.

Image: Castlemaine State Festival. Credit: Bendigo Tourism.