Falls asks: should I stay or should I go?

FALLS Festival organisers remain tight-lipped about whether the Lorne leg of the annual outdoor event will return to the region this year.

The 2019/20 Lorne edition of the event was cut short in response to the summer bushfires, with much conversation circulating in the following days about the risks associated with evacuating from the Otways in the event of a fire.

The discussion has since been reignited amid word of an online survey that reportedly asked festivalgoers if they would like to see the Lorne instalment moved to another location.

Secret Sounds chief executive officer Jessica Ducrou said the safety of Falls Festival patrons was the organisers’ leading priority.

“The extreme weather and fire conditions along the whole east coast of Australia these past months was unprecedented. We will always put the safety of our patrons and staff first based on the information provided by emergency services.

“We are very interested in what our audience have to say and always take their feedback on board. Safe to say we are considering all options at this stage. Stay tuned.”

The Surf Coast Shire council did not comment on whether it supported or disapproved of the festival continuing in Lorne.

“Falls Festival is a highlight on our events calendar that drives visitation and puts Lorne on a global stage with international and local acts,” the shire’s general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said.

“However, the venue for Falls Festival is a matter for the event organisers.”