Threat to Big Day Out festival
Geraldine Mitchell
30jun06
MELBOURNE'S Big Day Out is in doubt with organisers scrambling to find a suitable venue for the January event.
Parks Victoria, citing logistical issues, has knocked back an application to use Albert Park.
And Melbourne City Council only agreed to hold the hugely popular rockfest at Princes Park last year as a one-off.
The Royal Melbourne Showgrounds had been home to the event for 12 years, but was unavailable last January because of redevelopment.
It is believed organisers have been unhappy with the set-up at the Showgrounds.
A spokeswoman said the Royal Agricultural Society was still in preliminary talks with Big Day Out organisers.
Chief ranger Chris Hardman said the event could not be held at Albert Park as it would clash with cricket matches.
"The event attracts 40 to 50,000 people and would have been spread across five sports fields," Mr Hardman said.
"We have 20 cricket teams that play in that time and they already have to reschedule because of the Grand Prix.
"We just felt it wouldn't be the best result for the park and for the people who use it."
But Mr Hardman said he was impressed with the proposal and was disappointed the event could not comply.
Big Day Out organiser Vivian Lees was not available for comment yesterday.
See!! Melbourne is shit compared to Sydney!
