Festival to rest 50s theme as organisers consider new name

Woombye Festival organisers and sponsors were told this month of plans for new branding approach to next year’s event.

The Woombye Happy Days Festival is set for a new era, with organisers announcing plans to rebrand the popular community event from 2026.

Speaking at a sponsor thank-you event on August 5, Woombye Community & Business Association President Milo Frawley said the decision reflected the need to move beyond the festival’s original 1950s and 60s rock ‘n roll theme and create something more connected to Woombye’s own history and identity.

“Feedback coupled with hindsight raised awareness that this is not a wise marketing move,” Mr Frawley said. “We need to connect more with Woombye and our local history and explore more with Woombye-based themes. I am suspicious pineapples will figure in next year’s theme.”

Organisers are considering names such as Woombye Street Festival or Woombye Pineapple Festival, though Mr Frawley noted potential confusion and legal issues with the Big Pineapple Festival. A final decision is expected next month.

This year marked the third year of growth for the festival, which Mr Frawley described as a source of pride for the town. “The real measure of success comes from smiling faces and the positive comments,” he said.

For the first time, the event turned a profit – a modest $2500 – after eight revenue streams, including raffles, donations, merchandise sales, stall fees and support from local businesses, outweighed expenses of around $26,000 to $28,000.

‘They help us because they are proud of Woombye’

Mr Frawley stressed the importance of local business support, with many donors giving cash, prizes or use of land without expectation of a commercial return. 

“They help us because they are proud of Woombye and their involvement in our community,” he said.

The 2026 festival is expected to retain its free-entry, donation-based model and community focus, but with a broader mix of entertainment. The dance-off and rock ‘n roll-heavy line-up will be dropped, replaced with more family-friendly activities, kids’ events and music spanning multiple decades.

“A single parent with three kids can come to the Woombye Festival, enjoy a day of kids’ activities, music, dancing, bowls and people-gazing,” Mr Frawley said. “The family can feel connected, supported and entertained, and all within their budget.”