The government confirmed Yours and Owls Festival — slated for 1-2 March in Wollongong — will be the first festival to participate in the 12-month trial previously announced in December.

Another Australian music and arts festival is facing the axe, with the organisers of Victoria’s Gaytimes Festival today announcing that it will go “on hiatus” following this year’s event.

The original home of the iconic Falls Festival is back on the market at the dramatically reduced price of $2.5m.

The Souled out cancellation joins an extended list of Australian festivals to have pulled the plug, including the likes of Groovin The Moo, Splendour In the Grass and Bluesfest. Brisbane’s VIP tickets ...