Popular family event Fairbridge Festival pushes back to avoid coronavirus outbreak

The Fairbridge Festival has been pushed back six months due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The long-running music and camping event, organised by FolkWorld since 1993, was supposed to take place from April 17-19 on the bushland site of Fairbridge Village on the South West Highway.

Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, Bluegrass Parkway, Noah Dillon, John Bennett, the Audreys, SUPEREGO, Rob Snarksi and the Mucky Duck Bush Band were among the bands due to perform at the 28th instalment of the festival.

The postponement is a double blow for local artist Fraeya, who was supposed to play showcases at the South by Southwest festival in Texas this weekend before the event was cancelled.

Fairbridge Festival general manager Stuart MacLeod said it is a difficult time not only for FolkWorld but for the entertainment industry in general.

“FolkWorld is a not-for-profit organisation run on the passion of a small group of dedicated staff and a large cohort of loyal volunteers, numbering over 400,” he said.

“Fairbridge Festival provides a family experience unlike any other in WA, and we look forward to continuing to provide this experience for our community at a time deemed safe by qualified health professionals.

“Our team is excited to bring your Fairbridge Festival later in the year, and we hope to announce these new dates as soon as possible,” MacLeod said.

Organisers said that all tickets purchased will be valid for the new festival dates.

Ticket holders will be contacted within seven working days with updates regarding the postponement, along with an option to request a full refund.