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

The festival, which has been running since 2001 at Ngarindjin/North Byron Parklands, New South Wales, reportedly struggled to secure high-caliber international headliners. Live Nation-backed Secret Sounds, the festival's operator, has previously featured renowned artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, The Strokes, Lizzo, and Coldplay.

This cancellation reflects a broader trend in the festival industry's challenges. The 2023 lineup, which included Kylie Minogue, Future, and Arcade Fire, was also cancelled. Similar difficulties are being faced globally, with events like Liverpool's Africa Oyé music festival announcing a break in 2025 due to rising costs.

The financial strain on festivals has become so significant that the Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) is advocating for government intervention, specifically requesting a reduction in VAT to 5% on ticket sales. Despite these challenges, festival attendance remains strong, with many events reporting record numbers in 2024.

The organizers have hinted at new developments, stating they are "cooking up some awesome new things for music lovers in Australia" and encouraged fans to stay tuned for future announcements.

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