Events with more than 500 people will not go ahead in the near future as authorities try to limit the spread of coronavirus across Australia.
Here is an update on which events have been cancelled around the Lower Hunter, and which will still go ahead at this stage.
Do you have an event that has been affected? Email the details to sage.swinton@maitlandmercury.com.au for inclusion in this list.
National Textiles reunion
The National Textiles 20 year reunion organised for this Saturday has been cancelled.
The reunion marking 20 years since the closure of National Textiles' Rutherford plant had attracted interest from almost 300 people with more than 100 tickets already sold.
Co-organiser Jo Threlfo said it was a disappointing but necessary decision based on current health advice.
"Everyone is 20 years older now so we have to take the precaution," she said.
Online ticket holders can obtain a refund through Sticky Tickets while those who paid cash can contact Jo Threlfo on 0417 417 864 after 5pm to organise money back.
Ms Threlfo said organisers were hopeful of being able to hold something later in the year.
Tocal Field Days
Tocal Field Days has been cancelled for 2020.
The event was organised for May 1-3 at Tocal College. It would have been the 37th annual event.
Webers Circus
Webers Circus shows set down for later this week will still go ahead at this stage.
Office manager Julie Petersen said shows will continue until they are advised otherwise. Ms Peterson said the shows usually attract between 100 and 200 people, but organisers have limited their capacity to 400 just in case.
The circus will have shows in Maitland on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Steamfest
Maitland City Council has cancelled Hunter Valley Steamfest.
Steamfest was due to run on May 18-19 at the Maitland Station Precinct. The 2020 event was shaping up to be great one, with significant interest around the return of 3801, however council and the Steamfest Working Group will now turn their attention to next year's event, on April 17-18 2021.
Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival
Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival has been cancelled for 2020.
The event was due to run from March 27 to 29 at venues around Kurri Kurri with the main festivities in Rotary Park.
Read more here.
Lovedale Long Lunch
Lovedale Long Lunch organisers have suspended ticket sales to see how the situation plays out.
The event is due to be held on May 16 and 17 at Lovedale venues including Allandale, Tatler, Wandin, Sandalyn, Saltire, Gartelmann and Emma's Cottage.
Groovin the Moo
The Mercury has reached out to Groovin the Moo organisers to find out what will happen to the 2020 event.
The Maitland Showground event is planned for May 9.
Organisers posted to Facebook on Friday: "Hey Moo Crew, we know you're all concerned about whether or not Groovin the Moo will still be hitting the road in April and May. There's been a lot of news today, so we're just working through it all. Hang tight and we'll be back in touch with you soon!"
Hunter Valley Caravan Camping 4WD Fish & Boat Show
A decision has not yet been made about the Hunter Valley Caravan Camping 4WD Fish & Boat Show.
The event is planned for May 29-31 at Maitland Showground, so organisers are waiting to see how the next few weeks play out.
Loretta Payne from Rural Scene, which runs the event, said alternate dates had already been organised if the event does need to be postponed.
Stomp Festival
Cessnock Chamber of Commerce announced on Saturday that it would postpone the Cessnock Stomp Festival, which was set down for April 5, until further notice.
Read more about that here.
Mai-Wel events
The Mai-Wel Group has confirmed it has postponed all of its events until further notice.
"The health of our participants, staff and wider community is of paramount importance to us and therefore this decision was made with their best interest at heart," The group posted on Facebook.
The following events have been affected: Creative Arts Album Launch at the Cabin Collective on March 19, Easter Hoi at Club Maitland City on April 2 and The Mai-Wel Annual Gala Ball at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on May 2. All tickets purchased for the Gala Ball will be honoured at a date to be confirmed later in 2020. More information relating to the Gala Ball will be distributed over the coming weeks.
