The Huon Valley’s popular Mid-Winter Festival will join the list of events winding up across the state as it prepares for its grand farewell in July next year.
Organised by cider makers Willie Smith’s, the festival has been a major attraction for the Huon Valley during the state’s tourism off-season for a decade.
It features flames, food, cider and the iconic burning of the 15-metre tall Big Willie.
The 11th and final festival will carry the theme of ‘Reflection’, aimed at ‘commemorating a decade of cherished memories’ with the community on July 13 and 14 next year.
Tickets will be limited to 2500 per day to preserve the festival’s welcoming local vibe.
Rachel Valentyne, the festival’s artistic director, has mixed emotions about the decision to wrap up the event but believes it’s the right moment to bid farewell with a remarkable final celebration.
The state government have called the news “disappointing”, but said their support for the festival will continue.
The 2024 event will be the last contracted event under an existing $330,000 three-year support agreement from Events Tasmania.
Willie Smith’s & Sons are understood to be considering options to deliver an alternative event in 2025, likely at a different time of year.
