Main Dark Fringe Hobart events canceled just days after opening

The curtain has come down on the major attraction of Hobart’s Dark Fringe festival, just two days before its scheduled opening night.

Organizers say their ‘Rattle Ground’ event at St David’s Park and exclusive ‘Crystal Ball’ event have been canceled following a team meeting yesterday.

“Unexpected” upfront costs for security personnel were blamed as the cause of the cancellation, with organizers citing a lack of additional government funding to make up the shortfall.

Dark Fringe, which was widely recognized as the “savior” when Dark Mofo canceled its 2024 events, reportedly needed $264,000 to provide the “bare minimum” this year.

Organizers have blamed a lack of interest from the state government in funding the program, but it is understood that Dark Fringe only submitted a funding application a month ago and did not accept a lower offer.

“Despite repeated requests, Dark Fringe organizers did not submit an application until May 6, 2024,” an Events Tasmania spokesperson told Pulse.

“Due to the late application, Events Tasmania conducted a rapid, but robust, evaluation process which resulted in a bid of $200,000 for the 2024 event.”

“The Government has ensured that additional support is available to the events sector this winter and has worked with various existing and new event organizers on ways to increase attendance during the colder months.

Other, much smaller Dark Fringe events, held at venues like City Hall and the Grand Poobah, are expected to continue.

Dark Fringe organizers say they will refund ticket holders in the coming weeks.