A much-loved Cessnock festival, celebrated annually for bringing the community together, has been cancelled due to increasing financial pressures. First launched in 2016 by the Cessnock Business Chamber, the event grew to become a key attraction, showcasing the region’s wine and food culture with grape stomping, market stalls, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun in the heart of the CBD. The event relied on grants, sponsorships, and stallholder contributions, with any financial shortfalls covered by the Chamber, a volunteer-led not-for-profit organisation. However, rising costs for equipment, traffic management, insurance, and other expenses have made it unfeasible to continue hosting the festival. “This was...