Shinju Matsuri 50th anniversary that was postponed because of virus could go ahead in 2020, pending Shire of Broome funding

The grand 50th anniversary of Broome’s iconic Shinju Matsuri festival of the pearl may still go ahead this year after originally being postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shire of Broome councillors will tomorrow night decide whether or not to reallocate funds for the annual event, which is normally highlighted by a long table dinner on Cable Beach, floating lanterns spectacle, firework ceremony and street float parade. An officer report states that $130,000 would be reinstated for a 2020 festival if the motion was to pass, including $80,000 for marketing and infrastructure, $30,000 for venue hire and application fees and $20,000 for special 50th anniversary activities. It states that there was desire from “local and state agencies to ensure the 2020 festival occurs.” “Organisers of the festival have indicated the change in direction to consider hosting a full-scale event was as a result of contact and requests made from Tourism WA and the Premier’s office,” it said. Shinju has historically been held in late August or early September to mark the end of the pearling season. A date for the anniversary event was not indicated in shire documents. The Shire has given organisers of the festival more than $1 million since 2009. Councillors first agreed to fund this year’s event in May 2019 as part of a three-year agreement until 2021, but was withdrawn in April because of the impact of the coronavirus.