With great regret, the committee of the 2024 Narromine Dolly Parton Festival, scheduled for Saturday October 12, have announced the cancellation of this year's event.

Susie Rae, President of the Narromine Dolly Parton Festival said it was a difficult decision.

She explained that lack of State and Federal Government funding and rising costs to host the Festival has led to this cancellation.

"We agonised over this decision as it is highly anticipated by local businesses and community members alike, providing a significant boost to the local economy," Ms Rae said.

"While numerous funding applications were lodged, our festival was unsuccessful in securing any funds and with an approximate event cost of $150 000, continuing without this funding was deemed too risky."

Visitors and locals have flocked to the two past festivals, donning cowboy hats and helping celebrate the American country singer-songwriter, musician, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, Dolly Parton.

Narromine Mayor, Craig Davies shared the community's disappointment at the news.

‘It’s with a sense of deep regret and frustration I note the inability of the Dolly Parton Festival to continue in Narromine [this year]," Mr Davies said.

"That cultural events of this nature in rural locations are ignored but our city counterparts appear to never miss out is a blight on governments who lack the empathy and understanding that we also deserve to be funded appropriately.’

Dolly's galore at an earlier festival.

The Narromine Dolly Parton Festival committee said they acknowledge and greatly appreciate the ongoing financial support from the local Narromine Council.

The committee hopes to stage the event in 2025 and turn this situation around, and are more than willing to continue working hard to ensure this festival continues.