The good news is that the festival has been rescheduled and will now be held in 2022 from September 8-11.

The past 15 months have been hugely challenging for festivals and the music industry generally due to the high level of risk that is unfortunately still with us because of the pandemic.

"While it is very disappointing to have to postpone the Slim Dusty Kempsey Festival until next year, we wish to ensure everyone that we want to present the best possible event we can which is not achievable in the current environment," Slim Dusty Foundation chairman Dr David Kirkpatrick said.

"We are determined to make the 2022 festival a special event for all of us and we thank you for your patience and understanding - it will be worth it."

Kempsey Shire mayor Liz Campbell is also positive about the future of the festival.

"While it's disheartening to have the event postponed, the past 15 months have taught us all to appreciate just how complex it is to organise major events," Cr Campbell said.

"We can be positive and know that it's not that far away before we'll have tickets booked and a fantastic Slim Dusty celebration to look forward to in 2022."

The artist line-up and program for next year will be announced this coming November 1, with tickets on sale from November 19.

Full details about the festival will be published from November 1 on the festival website with regular updates on all social media platforms.

Organisers and the Slim Dusty Foundation are looking forward to hosting what is sure to be a celebratory festival in more certain times.

Road closures at South West Rocks for running festival

Study finds prisoner traineeships reduce reoffending

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: