New country music festival Longhaul cancelled in its first year

Longhaul Festival, a new country music festival set to debut in January 2027, has abruptly canceled its inaugural events after just one month of announcement. The festival, launched by TEG Live and featuring headliners Kacey Musgraves and Kane Brown, was scheduled to take place in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The lineup also included international acts such as Charles Wesley Godwin, Margo Price, Maddox Batson, Ava Hall, and James Barker Band, along with local artists like Beau Shearer, Denvah, Nathan Lamont, Taylor Moss, and Tyla Rodrigues.

TEG Live issued a statement expressing disappointment in the decision to cancel the festival. The company deemed it not the right time to launch a new country music festival in Australia, aiming to provide certainty to fans and artists. This cancellation follows TEG's recent decision to dismantle its country music touring department, a move announced in February just six months after the company's inception.

The Australian Financial Review reported that the department was eliminated as part of cost-cutting measures following the departure of former CEO Brad Banducci and the arrival of new CEO Cameron Hoy.

Ticketek, the event's organizer, has assured that all tickets will be automatically refunded to the original purchasers. Ticketholders are advised to check their email for further information. The cancellation of Longhaul Festival joins a series of recent festival collapses, including the shutdown of established events like Bluesfest and Splendour In The Grass, as well as the reduced capacity return of Groovin The Moo and the cancellation of newer festivals such as Harvest Rock, Souled Out, and Park Waves.

Additionally, Laneway, an annual touring festival, announced it would be reducing its tour dates for 2027 due to logistical and financial pressures.