Rabbits Eat Lettuce moves to QLD, Mountain Sound forced to downsize

The strict new regime for NSW festivals has started to make its impact.

Following NSW Police lodging action in the Supreme Court, Rabbits Eat Lettuce is moving to Queensland.

It will now be held Thursday, April 18 to Sunday 21 at Cherrabah Resort in Warwick, located hinterland from the Gold Coast.

The festival’s promoters explained: “The NSW Police have recently lodged an appeal in the Supreme Court to argue the decision by Land & Environment Court to rule in our favour last year.

“REL is in a fragile financial position after forking out $100,000 to fight last year’s action by NSW Police and we don’t currently have the time or finances for another court battle.

“The outcome of this impending court case is unknown and if NSW Police succeeds it would be impossible to conduct our event at the Kippenduff venue.

“The current political state of play in NSW is not conducive to the festival industry and we feel that to ensure we can provide the best event and experience possible moving to QLD for at least the time being is the best decision for all involved.”

They added: “The Local Southern Downs Regional Council, QLD Police, QLD Ambulance & QLD Fire Department have all been very supportive and we thank them for working with us to create a safe event.”

In the meantime, Mountain Sounds were forced to slash acts following “increased pressure around safety, licensing and security”.

It issued a statement: “We have recently had to look at measures across the board to continue moving forward with the event, whilst still maintaining the highest safety standards and ensuring the quality of the festival experience for patrons and artists aren’t compromised.

“However, due to current increased pressure around safety, licensing and security we have had to modify our site, staging and infrastructure so the event can go ahead.”

The axing has been a last-minute move as Mountain Sounds is held at Mount Penang Gardens on February 15—16 with Courtney Barnett, Angus & Julia Stone and What So Not headlining.

21 acts were dropped, including Stella Donnelly, Moaning Lisa, Grace Turner, The Nights (live) and Sad Grrrls Club Dj’s.