Mount Druitt was poised for a culinary celebration this weekend, as the western Sydney suburb prepared to host its largest food festival to date. The Viral Food Festival, featuring around 30 stalls offering unique culinary creations, was expected to draw large crowds from Friday, August 29 to Sunday, August 31. However, Westfield, the shopping center conglomerate set to host the event, abruptly cancelled it, citing financial and security concerns.
The decision has left many vendors, including the Filipino café Tita, in a difficult position. “We all really needed this boost,” said Kenneth Rodrigueza, owner of Tita, highlighting the financial strain on small businesses. The festival, known for celebrating internet-famous foods, was expected to provide a significant economic uplift, with previous events drawing up to 30,000 attendees and generating substantial revenue for vendors.
Westfield’s Decision and Its Impact
Westfield’s cancellation of the event was attributed to evolving safety and logistical requirements. “The safety of our customers and community is our highest priority,” a Westfield spokesperson stated. The company had initially agreed to host the festival on its Mount Druitt rooftop, but later demanded an additional $9,000 to cover increased security and operational costs.
Organizer Kaisser Khater expressed frustration, noting that the initial agreement included these expenses. “It was crap,” Khater remarked, emphasizing the community’s anticipation for the event. “People had been asking me to bring the festival to Mount Druitt for ages.”
Economic Strain on Vendors
For vendors like Smoking Gringos, the cancellation represents a significant financial loss. Owners Richard and Jade Borg had prepared extensively, investing in ingredients and expecting to sell thousands of their popular birria croissants and tacos. “At the last event we sold over 1,000 birria croissants and close to 10,000 tacos,” Richard Borg shared, underscoring the potential revenue lost.
Meanwhile, Rodrigueza of Tita highlighted the broader challenges facing the hospitality sector. “We’re behind on payments, and with the wet weather recently, we’re not even breaking even,” he said, pointing to the critical role events like the festival play in supporting small businesses.
Community Support and a New Venue
Despite the setback, Khater quickly mobilized to find an alternative venue. The Richmond Greyhound Race Track, located 22 kilometers away, will now host the festival. This location has previously accommodated similar events, providing a familiar setting for both vendors and attendees.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Justice Crew performer Samson Smith contributed $1,000 towards fuel vouchers to assist Mount Druitt residents with travel expenses. “I’m confident. The community has rallied,” Khater said, noting the positive engagement on social media, where over 1,000 followers commented on the festival’s relocation announcement.
Future Prospects and Challenges
While the festival’s relocation offers a temporary solution, not all vendors can make the transition. Rodrigueza plans to host a night-time event at Tita, featuring live music and a pop-up dessert bar, to mitigate the impact of the festival’s cancellation. “Richmond is an hour-and-a-half away from us, and I have to think of our staff and the uncertainty of it all,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Khater remains optimistic about future events. Plans are underway for another food festival in the Blacktown area later this year, providing hope for vendors seeking to recover from recent challenges.
The Viral Food Festival will take place at the Richmond Greyhound Race Track, 312 Londonderry Road, Richmond, from 5 pm on Friday, August 29, and Saturday, August 30, and from noon on Sunday, August 31.
