Tauranga Arts Festival Trust has today announced the 2022 Escape readers and writers festival will be postponed until October. The city’s beloved, biennial “little festival of big ideas” will now begin on 12 October with an extended programme that includes a readers and writers weekend, schools festival and live performances.
“We know the postponement is likely expected, but it has still been a difficult decision for us,” says the festival’s artistic director Gabrielle Vincent. “We were really hoping to go ahead in June. However, given ongoing uncertainty around how long the red light system will remain in place within the Government’s COVID Protection Framework, and the direction of the country’s current Omicron outbreak, that would be irresponsible. We must prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all involved and look after our artists, staff, suppliers and audiences.
“We also want to be sure that as many people as possible have the opportunity to experience and absorb the wisdom and brilliance of the superb writers, thinkers and performers in the 2022 programme. We look forward to welcoming everyone in October. Until then, it’s time to get reading,” Vincent says.
The full line-up and programme will be announced in early August. For further information, please visit www.taurangafestival.co.nz.
