Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival Brisbane will not be returning in 2016. The event has cited the closure is a result of rising fees, and a lack of Government support.
Festival director Lindsay Bennett says of the news: “It is extremely disappointing that we have had to make the decision to cancel the festival - meaning that Queensland will be the only state not to have its own Fashion Festival this year - but unfortunately we are left with no other choice.”
Bennett explained fees were spiralling out of control, claiming last year’s event - the 10th anniversary of the festival - cost $700,000 to stage. “It is not a decision we’ve made lightly. My team and I have explored several avenues to see if we can realistically stage an event this year of the same high standards we have reached, but unfortunately the funding is just not there.”
Bennett is adamant the lack of Government funding is to blame: “Queensland is the only state (except Tasmania) that does not have Government backing and to continue without it would mean a scaled down version that ultimately would not be showcasing Queensland’s creative industry to its maximum potential.”
