After 14 years, the NelliJam Music Festival has been cancelled. Photo: Supplied.
The organiser of a beloved South Coast rock and blues festival has declared that “at the moment, it’s over and out”.
The NelliJam Music Festival has been held annually at the Steampacket Hotel since its debut 14 years ago.
But its 2026 outing, scheduled for 7 November, will not take place.
In a recent video posted to social media, festival director Danny Freeman said global uncertainty and funding woes were behind the decision to cancel the event.
“With everything that happened over the last month, just contributing to some more potential uncertainty, we just decided it was the straw that broke the camel’s back, unfortunately,” he said.
“We’re hoping that we can come back someday … but at the moment, it won’t be happening.”
Mr Freeman said that while “the top 1 per cent” of the music industry might be faring well, it was a tough time for many others.
“It’s a difficult time, at the moment, for the music biz, particularly at our level … [Smaller events and musicians are] really struggling,” he said.
Mr Freeman said the event had found it difficult to attract sponsors.
“[That is] absolutely nobody’s fault,” h said. ”I think lots of businesses are struggling and worrying about what’s coming up.
“It was very difficult to get sponsorship, and we just decided that, with everything else going on now, it was maybe a smart decision to not run it this year.”
Mr Freeman said organisers had to work in the “tricky, tricky” grant economy to help cover festival costs.
“It’s money on offer, so we’re not whingeing that we don’t get it,” he said.
“But it is a little bit disheartening for a smaller regional festival to get a little bit of money for a couple of years and then get nothing.”
Organisers were successful in some grant rounds — such as when they received Federal Government funding in 2024, which they spent on infrastructure and signage.
The Steampacket Hotel at Nelligen hosted the festival for more than a decade. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Mr Freeman reflected on the festival’s growth since its humble beginning in 2010.
“When I reflect [on the event], it’s pretty incredible,” he said.
“We had probably 100 or so people turn up, 14 years ago, and watch four bands in the beer garden.
“We thought, ‘Hey, this little thing might turn into something great’, and it did.”
He thanked supporters such as volunteers, the original licensee and owners of the Steampacket, musicians and the wider Nelligen community.
“Thank you so, so much if you’ve ever come out and bought a beer and bought a ticket and engaged with the music that we’ve put on.
“That’s why we do it.”
In the social media video, Mr Freeman said it was unknown how long the festival’s hiatus would last.
“It’s been a wild ride … I hope that, maybe, we can keep at it when things get a bit better.
“I’m not sure what NellieJam will look like going forward in the future if it comes back, but I’ve certainly still got some passion there to bring original live music to the area — which has always been the goal.”
Steampacket Hotel venue manager Jake Adams said, “Our hotel has proudly hosted NelliJam for the past 14 years. The event has showcased some of the best local and Australian bands.
“We understand the decision was extremely difficult for the organisers, and we’d like to thank and acknowledge them both for all their hard work and commitment to the live music industry.
“Visitors and locals can still enjoy live music at the Steampacket Hotel every Friday to Sunday.”
