Statement regarding Spilt Milk music festival

Statement attributable to City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves 

The City of Ballarat is disappointed that Spilt Milk will be leaving Ballarat in 2026.

However, we are proud to have been a part of Spilt Milk’s significant growth from 2019-2025 and to have helped develop the event into one of Australia’s most premium festivals.

We are sad to see it depart and understand that our local businesses and accommodation providers will be impacted by this announcement, but we will continue to actively pursue other major events to Ballarat.  

Ballarat has consistently demonstrated its capacity to successfully host large-scale events, and we remain committed to building our reputation as one of regional Australia's leading events destinations.

The City of Ballarat continues to maintain an ongoing partnership with Kicks Entertainment, having successfully secured Strummingbird country music festival for the region in October, which is expected to drive additional significant economic outcomes in the years to come.  

We are looking forward to being a part of Strummingbird’s success and growth, as much as we have been for Spilt Milk.