Living Smart Festival cancelled, but Feast for the Senses to remain

Next month’s Living Smart Festival has unfortunately been cancelled due to COVID-19 and subsequent public health restrictions.

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Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the team behind the landmark annual event was “deeply disappointed” to make the decision.

“However, one of the fundamentals of ‘living smart’ is doing what you can to keep friends, family and our community safe, and in this case that means cancelling this year’s festival,” Ms Hemsley said.

On the bright side, Feast for the Senses presented by Greater Bank – a night of dining and entertainment under the stars at Speers Point Park, featuring a sustainably sourced and seasonal menu – will still go ahead on Friday 17 September.

“We’re really excited to be able to move ahead with this fantastic part of Living Smart,” Ms Hemsley said.

“This will be a COVID-safe event, with limited numbers and comprehensive measures in place to ensure people do not attend from outside the local area.”

Greater Bank Community Engagement Manager Ingrid Kaczor said she was glad Greater Bank could still support the Living Smart Festival through the Feast for the Senses dinner.

“Although it is disappointing that the Living Smart Festival can’t proceed in its entirety, we’re excited that Feast for the Senses is still going ahead,” she said.

“This will be a chance for people to connect, share experiences and learn about the positive benefits of living sustainably.”

Planning is also underway to host other popular elements of the festival, including the native plant giveaways and the Allambi Care School Garden Bed Competition, in alternative formats over coming months.

“We’re also preparing a fantastic podcast series featuring some of our top Living Smart Festival presenters, including Costa Georgiadis,” Ms Hemsley said.

“Other episodes will feature local musicians, organisations and community members who all share a passion for the environment and sustainability.”

Details about Feast for the Senses are expected to be released later this month.

Go to livingsmartfestival.com.au for further updates and announcements.