The organising committee of the Swan Valley-based Slow Food and Wine Festival has made the “tough decision” to cancel the event just days before it was due to take place.

The festival was due to take place this weekend and was designed to bring together Noongar culture and traditions along with the influence from Croatian and Italian settlers that together have shaped the Swan Valley.

The event was planned to kick off with an immersive six-course dinner and was going to feature tastings from local winemakers Talijancich, Local Weirdos, Vino Volta and Swan Valley Wines.

“This special event is a celebration of what we value most – heritage, sustainability, and community – brought to life through local wine, traditional foods, and rich cultural stories.” Event organisers posted on Instagram last week.

A spokesperson from the organising committee said that cancelling it was a tough decision, but the responsible one, as the event wasn’t financially viable.

“We understand everyone’s disappointment, and we’re disappointed ourselves, but it would be fiscally irresponsible to continue and run the festival,” a spokesperson said.

However, event organisers remain committed to the future of the festival and plan to re-introduce the festival next year.

“We remain optimistic for the future and believe that we have the basis for a unique festival that showcases the culinary essence of the Swan Valley.

“We will regroup and start planning the 2026 Slow Food and Wine Festival.”

Ticket purchasers will receive a full refund and the Swan Valley Slow Food Convivium will look ahead to the Slow Olive Festival featuring talks and tastings on May 25.