Major Australian festival cancelled

One of Australia’s biggest comedy festivals has been cancelled with just days to go due to lack of sponsorship.

World's Funniest Island was due to take place on Cockatoo Island, in Sydney Harbour, next weekend.

Stars lined up to appear included Kath and Kim (aka Jane Turner and Gina Riley), Police Academy's Michael Winslow, Muslim stand-up tour Allah Made Me Funny, Julia Morris, Fiona O'Loughlin, and British mind-reader Philip Escoffey.

A statement from organisers read: ‘Sadly, despite support from both the private and public sector, World’s Funniest Island will not be proceeding this year due to a drop off in sponsorship.

‘The Board has taken a decision that it is not feasible for the event to proceed this year. It is an enormous disappointment for everyone involved as we believe this event has great potential to become an annual fixture on the national comedy calendar.

‘All ticketholders will be refunded via their credit card within fourteen business days.’

The event has taken place only once before, with The Goodies and Alexei Sayle among those playing the island last year.

Many fans posted messages of disappointment on the festival’s official website, with one complaining they had bought non-refundable tickets for the five-hour flight from Perth to Sydney to attend the event.

Published: 7 Oct 2010