Steamfest is the latest popular Hunter Valley event to be cancelled due to COVID-19.
Due to the escalation of Public Health Orders affecting Greater Sydney and parts of regional NSW, Maitland City Council has decided not to go ahead with this year’s annual event, hoping to reschedule to April 2022.
Expected to take place in September 2021, the event that usually attracts crowds of up to 50,000 to the historic township of Maitland, is “not possible at this time” according to organisers.
Manager of city experiences and economy Shaelee Welchman said despite the disappointment, organisers hope to return bigger and better.
“With all the time and effort that goes into Steamfest, it’s really disappointing that we have had to cancel the event,” she said.
“We understand that many people will be disappointed, but we are looking forward to planning for an even bigger and more exciting event in 2022 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Steamfest.
“During this time, Council’s priority is to keep the community safe, and with key stakeholders, including our trains providers, amusement providers, stallholders and a large number of attendees travelling to the event from the Greater Sydney area, the risks are a large concern.”
The annual Steamfest celebrates Maitland’s rich steam and industrial heritage.
It offers historic steam train journeys, the Great Train Race, the gathering of an impressive assembly of antique machinery, the popular Show ‘n’ Shine car display, kids’ activities, music and much more.
Steamfest was established in 1986 following the closure of the last coal-operated steam-hauled freight service in Australia on the South Maitland Railway Line in 1983.
The event pays homage to the end of an industrial era and the men and women involved in its operation.
This year Steamfest was set to celebrate its 35th anniversary.
Ms Welchman says postponing the event to April would allow the best chance of celebrating the significant milestone properly.
“Not only for the event goers but also for everyone involved in the behind the scenes organisation,” Ms Welchman said.
“We also want to thank our naming rights sponsor Burton Automotive and Rail Partner ARTC and our other sponsors for their ongoing support through this difficult time.”
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