A DRAWCARD Maitland festival has become the latest casualty of COVID-19 restrictions, with the city's Aroma Coffee and Chocolate Festival off the August agenda.
Maitland City Council announced on Thursday the festival, which normally draws about 12,000 people to central Maitland, would not go ahead.
A large number of its typical patrons are usually from greater Sydney, the council said in a statement.
The council said public health restrictions would have "significantly impacted" the feasibility of the festival as well as the mobility of many stallholders and suppliers.
Instead, it will run an alternate program designed to give baristas, chocolatiers and others opportunities while adhering to the pandemic rules.
"I hope the initiatives we'll be introducing in August will encourage the people of Maitland to support our local cafés and patisseries and discover the delicious and sweet produce that is made right here in Maitland," coordinator city events and activation Adam Franks said.
"We're really disappointed that we won't be able to host Aroma again this year, and I'm feeling for the local traders, suppliers, artists and small businesses who benefit from the activity Aroma brings to central Maitland."
The council said it would release details of the alternative arrangements in coming weeks and will continue to monitor the advice of governments including public health orders.
