Perth high school postpones 2022 version of food festival that usually draws 5000 people

All Saints’ College in Bull Creek has decided to postpone its flagship Pasar Malam festival in light of growing concerns over the spread of COVID-19 in WA. The festival is a night food market that previously attracted about 5000 people. It was scheduled to be held on February 25 for the first time since 2020 but the college opted to postpone the festival. This comes after the 2021 event coincided with WA’s February lockdown and had to be cancelled. Despite the State Government announcing that it will push back its February 5 border reopening date, the requirement to prove vaccination status and enforce check-ins for more than 500 guests was one of the college’s reasons for its decision. Evidence from other states on the speed of transmission of the virus once borders have reopened was also a factor. Principal Belinda Provis told PerthNow the safety and wellbeing of the community was the college’s priority. “All Saints’ College has made the difficult decision to postpone our much-loved Pasar Malam festival,” she said. “We believe the potential risks associated with the Festival are too great and therefore we are unable to stage the event in its current format. “We will continue to monitor the Government’s health advice and event requirements, such as capacity limits, and provide an update when we can.” Ms Provis said no decision had yet been made on a new date or if the festival would proceed. She said students had other programs running in-class each year that focused on learning about and celebrating the culture and customs of other countries. Meanwhile, Curtin University’s annual Pasar Malam festival is on track to go ahead in November. Acting Curtin Student Guild president Madison Ainsworth told PerthNow the guild was planning to co-ordinate Pasar Malam in November. “Changing Government regulations mean that we will remain flexible,” she said. “Last year, about 7000 people attended the event, which featured global street food, multicultural entertainment and a family fun zone.” Ms Provis said there were no other events that had been rescheduled or cancelled, and the college leadership team met regularly to review and assess all COVID-related risks. The West Australian Mobile Food Vendors Association was contacted for comment but did not respond before deadline.

Perth high school postpones 2022 version of food festival that usually draws 5000 people

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