Interestingly, ticket sales for the festival are reportedly continuing, even without the necessary approvals in place.

Councillors are set to vote on the permit recommendation during their meeting on March 2, just days before the festival is scheduled to begin.

An Ordinary Council Meeting is planned for March 3, where the permit refusal recommendation will be considered, potentially impacting future events as well.

Organizers remain hopeful that the council will approve the festival permit despite the ongoing concerns.

The 2025 Esoteric Psychedelic Circus Festival, scheduled for March 7-11 in Donald, Victoria, is facing potential cancellation due to health and safety concerns raised by the Buloke Shire Council.

The council has recommended denying the festival's planning permit, citing previous non-compliance issues and a current Building Order as significant factors.

Last year's festival was marred by a Shigella outbreak that affected over 250 attendees, which has heightened the council's concerns regarding health risks.

Buloke Shire Council CEO Wayne O'Toole emphasized the need for safety and compliance, noting that the council has struggled to reach a satisfactory conclusion with the festival organizers.

Council officials have advised the festival organizers to cancel the event, highlighting significant health and safety concerns as the basis for their recommendation.

The council's recommendation to refuse the planning permit came after organizers failed to provide adequate information despite multiple requests in late 2024.

The festival, which typically attracts between 9,000 and 11,000 attendees, is expected to contribute approximately $15 million to the local economy.

Despite the council's concerns, festival managing director Sam Goldsmith remains optimistic, claiming that all regulatory requirements have been met and safety precautions implemented.