The Granite Town Festival came within 70 tickets of breaking even in its first year, organisers say, prompting a call for music lovers to get behind next year’s event now.
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The rebadged Moruya Jazz Festival attracted thousands of visitors to free and paid events from October 17 to 19.
However, festival secretary Danielle Williams said the more than 1400 tickets sold fell just short of breaking even.
“Our three-year plan was realistic in allowing for a period of establishment,” Ms Williams said.
“We understand that most new festivals, in their first year or two, will make a loss and are doing very well to break even.
“We always knew it was going to be an uphill battle to turn around community perception of the event – and we were thrilled with our first year’s sales.
“We sold in excess of 1400 tickets (most not from the immediate local region) and came close to breaking even.
“Seventy more weekend tickets and we would have been in the black.”
She has called on music lovers to show their support by joining the six-member core crew and buying tickets now for next year’s event, to be held from October 30 to November 1.
“We believe in the event, we believe in the community and we need your support – so buy your super early bird tickets and help make it a reality,” she said.
“We expect to break even in our second year.”
The festival had an ambitious line-up, with headline acts such as Katie Noonan, Thirsty Merc, True Vibenation and Mama Kin.
Ms Williams said it had “created a buzz of community pride” and could make “Moruya the heart of contemporary jazz, funk and reggae on the South Coast”.
However, more volunteers were needed.
“I think we surprised everyone, including ourselves, especially given there were only six organisers in total,” she said.
“There is no way we can do it again on our own.
“Ideally we would love to have about 30 Granite Town members, working in groups of three or four on roles such as the SandBar Brunch, Eat Street or marketing and publicity,” she said.
“We know there are areas we can improve on and with more bodies, we’re sure we can cement Granite Town into the national music calendar as a top-notch festival with broad appeal, that grows and boost the regional economy, year after year.”
Early tickets are $99 or $88 concession.
Visit website www.granitetown.com.au and click on the Ticketebo link for details.
Email info@granitetown.com.au to join the committee before the AGM on January 21.
