Festival on pause for 2025
In March 2025, the Town of East Fremantle announced that it has reluctantly decided to pause East Fremantle’s George Street Festival for 2025.
In recent years, the Town – one of the smallest local governments in Perth – has faced increasing challenges while delivering the award-winning event on the first Sunday of December each year.
Mayor Jim O’Neill said the decision had not been taken lightly, citing rising costs, inconsistent external sponsorship and the capacity of Town staff to offer an event that met community expectations.
With its unique blend of community spirit, music, food and showcasing the businesses within our historic George Street precinct, this free, family-friendly festival has been a highlight on the Town’s event calendar for over 30 years,” he said.
“We acknowledge that many local businesses, residents and stallholders will be disappointed by the decision to pause the festival this year, but the time is right for a review.”
The pause will allow the Town to consider the scope and long-term sustainability of the festival and other Town events. The Town will conduct extensive community consultation to learn which events and event outcomes are important to residents, businesses, Clubs and local groups.
Mayor O’Neill said the information would be used to develop an events strategy and annual events calendar that aligns with the Town’s capacity to deliver alternatives.
“I want to thank the stallholders, performers, suppliers, local artists, sponsors and community groups who have contributed to the festival’s success – including the extraordinary sustainability education outcomes we have achieved – over the years,” he said.
“We look forward to the future, to hearing from our community, and to planning Town events that celebrate all of the things that make East Fremantle so unique.”
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Highlights from 2024 festival
Did you see the photo album from the 2024 festival?