Halting preparation at this early stage means we are able to protect the ongoing integrity of the event, and give stall-holders, performers, sponsors, and other stakeholders as much notice as possible.

It means we are able to play our part in supporting the health and safety of the community in the face of such an unknown and potentially widespread threat.

It means we will be in a much stronger position to come back in 2021.

All stall-holders who have paid in advance for the 2020 event will be refunded.

We also want to thank everyone who pledged sponsorship for Winter Magic 2020 and encourage them to carry over that commitment to Winter Magic 2021.

While the decision to cancel preparations for the 2020 Festival is heartbreaking, there is something of a silver lining – the very popular ArtStreet will still go ahead this year.

ArtStreet is a fantastic community arts program which supports local artists by exhibiting their work in shops and businesses along Katoomba Street.

We understand news of the Winter Magic Festival’s cancellation will come as an enormous disappointment to many in the Blue Mountains community and beyond.

It demonstrates the remarkable success of this unique festival over the years in capturing the hearts and minds of locals and visitors alike.

Our theme this year was appropriately to be ‘regeneration’, representing survival and regrowth as well as change and adaptation.

That sentiment holds firm, and the Blue Mountains Winter Magic Festival Committee remains committed to delivering a fantastic event in 2021 – Regeneration 2021.