By Jed Lanyon
Yarra Valley community events have been dealt a significant blow as the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Show and Wandin-Silvan Field Days have been cancelled several months out from their planned dates amidst a spike in Coronavirus cases in Victoria.
The Lilydale Show was set to be held on the weekend of 21-22 November prior to its cancellation. The Lilydale and Yarra Valley Show committee said the Covid-19 restrictions and extra requirements would put an ‘almost unmanageable burden’ on the show’s volunteers.
A statement released by the committee reads: “Our show depends on local businesses, organisations and generous patrons for their sponsorship and in-kind support to make the show happen and we do not want to burden these people during this economic downturn.”
Lilydale Agricultural and Horticulture Society president Paul Tripp told Star Mail they were left ‘disappointed’ at having to cancel this year’s Lilydale Show.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen with all the restrictions so it was in the best interests of the show organisers and the public to cancel the show.
“It’s just too much of a risk for everyone and a financial risk too. Most shows across Victoria are being forced to cancel.”
Mr Tripp said he enjoys the friendship and companionship that comes working with those who help put on the Lilydale Show each year.
“Hopefully we will be back bigger and stronger the following year.”
The Lilydale Show is hosted by the Lilydale Agricultural and Horticultural Society and has been held continuously since 1954.
The show’s roots date back as far as 1908 when horticultural and pasture events were held in the region. Those events were abandoned in the war years and not taken up again until 1954 in what is now known as the Lilydale Show, according to Sue Thompson, Lilydale and District Historical Society President and author of Lilydale On Show: A History Of The Lilydale Agricultural Society And Horticultural Society.
“It’s a fabric of our community and it’s looked forward to by a lot of people, not just in Lilydale but in the surrounding districts,” she said.
In the same week, another long-time community favourite went down as the committee for the Wandin-Silvan Field Days announced that their event would not proceed on 16-17 October.
Committee president, William Anker said, “This has been a very difficult decision for our committee, and especially on the back of one of our most successful events last year during which we celebrated our 50th anniversary.
“The Wandin-Silvan Field Days are considered as the premier event of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges region of Victoria, with a significant value to the local economy.
“We fully realise the impact and disappointment for all of our stakeholders, including members, exhibitors, and the numerous local community groups involved and of course our visitors.”
Mr Anker said he now looked forward to bringing the field days back in 2021 as a bigger and better experience. The date for the 2021 event has already been scheduled for 15-16 October.
A Day On The Green have rescheduled concert events planned for November and December as Rochford Wines were set to host Simple Minds’ 40 Years of Hits Tour on 2 December.
Jim Kerr of Simple Minds said, “The frustration of seeing yet more live shows being rescheduled is huge. We are determined to make even more effort for our fans in Australia and New Zealand. In the meantime we ask all of you to keep your tickets – and keep the faith. We guarantee our live shows will be worth the extra wait.”
The concerts have been rescheduled for December 2021 and those who have purchased tickets are advised to hold onto their tickets as they will be valid for the corresponding rescheduled date. While those who are unable to attend will be entitled to a full refund from the authorised point of purchase.
