Photo by Bronwen Caple.
The 2020 edition of Langhorne Creek’s much-loved Handpicked Festival unfortunately won’t go ahead this year, due to concerns over Coronavirus.
It will be the first time in seven years the family-run event which has seen the likes of Amy Shark, John Butler and Jet take to the stage, won’t go ahead.
Organiser Kate Cooper, whose family has been growing grapes in Langhorne Creek for over 130 years says she is heartbroken by the decision to cancel the festival.
“It honestly breaks my heart. Handpicked is my baby. I start planning in January so it’s not an easy thing to just drop for the entire year.
“With the State Government’s recommendations together with the uncertainty of these times, it makes it impossible for us to push forward with Handpicked this year,” said Kate Cooper.
Currently, there are strict bans in place which prohibit dancing whilst drinking alcohol at licensed venues, and no sign of when social distancing restrictions will ease.
With the boutique festival renowned for offering a complete sensory experience, through barefoot dancing, authentic experiences and food and wine offerings, organisers say current restrictions would severely compromise the experience of Handpicked.
“We are fearful that drinking and dancing in November may still be restricted… SA Health currently will not and cannot give us a road map to when this will be allowed. We also can’t guarantee that social distancing will disappear before November.
“All these factors will severely compromise how much we put into the experience of Handpicked. We have also been left with very little planning time to pull together such a huge event with so many unknowns,” said Kate.
Whilst the show won’t go ahead this year, organisers promise Handpicked will be back bigger and better next year on November 13th, 2021.
“By allowing ourselves another year to grow, learn and plan, I can promise festival goers that 2021 will be unlike any other event.
“Plans were already on the horizon to up the Handpicked experience with a newly designed VIP space and more magical nooks,” said Kate.
Handpicked lovers can still stretch out a picnic blanket and enjoy the beauty of Australia’s untouched wine region, with Lake Breeze Wines open for business.
The boutique winery is also set to unveil a new wedding and event space in September, which will double the yearly allocations of weddings at the venue.
The exquisite $1.8m architecturally designed wedding venue, is tucked away besides the river, among the striking red gum trees, with stunning vineyard views.
“It is definitely not all doom and gloom. Lake Breeze and a team of amazing builders have been constructing a brand-new function centre. Please keep your eyes peeled because we will be unveiling this stunner, maybe with some added Handpicked flair,” said Kate.
Lake Breeze Wines is located at 319 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, SA and you can find them online at www.lakebreeze.com.au.
More News
