REDLANDS Coast will be without its biggest community festival in 2025, with Redfest organisers announcing the event will not go ahead after failing to secure their preferred weekend at the Cleveland Showgrounds.
The decision follows more than a year of discussions with Redland City Council, with organisers citing a lack of confirmation for the second weekend of September as the key factor.
“There will be no activities held at the Showgrounds on this weekend as per the decision of Redlands Council and the Events Department,” the Redfest Committee said in a statement.
“Although we are still waiting for the response promised by the Mayor, we have no choice but to inform the community that there will be no Redfest in 2025. Redfest is run by community volunteers, and we are very disappointed with the outcome.”
The community-led event has a proud and colourful history spanning several decades and was the largest event hosted at the Cleveland Showgrounds in 2024, drawing thousands of attendees.
The festival is known for celebrating local businesses, artists, and the Redlands’ vibrant community spirit.
Organisers said they had delayed making the announcement in the hope of reaching a resolution but could no longer hold off.
They also expressed disappointment that Council had opted to support a smaller commercial event scheduled for the following weekend.
“Redlands is losing an iconic event with a rich history,” the committee said.
In response, Redland City Council said it was aware of the Redfest committee’s decision to cancel the event.
“Council was aware of some community concerns in the lead-up to this decision and would like to inform the community regarding work Council undertook with the RedFest committee to secure a date for the 2025 event before it was cancelled,” a spokesman said.
According to Council, Redfest has traditionally been held on the first weekend of September, and it had protected the weekend of 6-7 September 2025 for the event this year.
“In April 2024, RedFest organisers submitted to Council a booking request to hold the 2025 event at Redland Showgrounds on the weekend of 13-14 September 2025, with 15 September their requested day for clearing the showgrounds,” a spokesman said.
“However, another organisation had already booked the showgrounds from 15-23 September 2025, with that booking made in March 2023.”
Council said it had offered 11 alternative dates between July and November 2025 that would accommodate Redfest and meet post-event requirements, but could not reach agreement.
“Council appreciates and values the community benefits RedFest brings to Redlands Coast,” the spokesman said.
“The festival has held a special place in our community since its beginning as Redland Strawberry Festival almost 70 years ago and through its evolution to the Spring Festival and now RedFest.
“Council is disappointed that this year’s event won’t go ahead but respects the right of the committee to cancel.”
