The Barellan Working Clydesdale Committee decided to pull the reins on the festival due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions at a state and countrywide level. The festival was previously planned to take place on October 2-3.

The event is estimated to bring in $1.8million dollars to the regional economy, a devastating hit for local businesses.

Secretary of the group Fiona Kibble said "We are devastated for our small community of Barellan, our hard working committee, volunteers, exhibitors and visitors."

"We regrettably made this decision in the light of protecting the welfare of all those involved with the event," she added.

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Stallholders, exhibitors and ticket holders will have the option to be refunded their payments, or have them rolled over to the 2022 event.

To make up for the disappointing cancellation, a Clydesdale Art Trail will be placed around Narrandera. Over 170 silhouettes of the horses will be decorated and placed around the shire to create a 'festive atmosphere.'

Disappointingly, the annual MND Tribute to the Teams Drive has had to be put on hold as well. The fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease was due to be held in late September. No replacement events are currently planned.

Bruce Bandy has also stepped down from his role as president of the Barellan Working Clydesdale Committee, and was gifted a certificate of appreciation in recognition of over twelve years at the helm of the event.

He said that he doesn't yet know who will be taking up the mantle after him.

"We've got a bit of time to find them. I'll still be on the committee, I'll run the horse part of it so I'll be around," he said.

"It's time for a change."

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