‘Huge blow’: Ice Cream Factory to close after border delay

Just a day shy of two weeks since Premier Mark McGowan announced a delay to the State’s border arrangements, organisers of one of Perth’s biggest summer venues have announced it’s closing its doors.

Ice Cream Factory has been hosting weekend music festivals at the venue — located right in the heart of Northbridge — attracting huge crowds every weekend.

A massive line-up of interstate acts including the Veronicas, Vera Blue, Example, and Masked Wolf was set to take over the venue across several weekends in February and March.

However, on Tuesday night, organisers announced they would have to pull the pin on the current season due to “Marky Mark’s decision to push back the border opening”.

“We are devastated to advise that we can no longer fly artists over to be with us therefore it is with a heavy heart that we have to cancel the upcoming season of Ice Cream Factory. To say we’re bummed is an understatement. It’s another huge blow for our business, and our industry, but we will keep persevering,” an Instagram post read.

“Looking back at the past eight weeks where we’ve been able to create something incredibly special, unique and memorable for our fellow West Australians.”

Organisers said ticket holders for the interstate acts would be automatically refunded with those who were set to go to Primary and Voyage Day asked to contact promoters.

They have promised the venue would be back in action in December for the 2022-23 summer season.

Earlier in the month, event organisers joined together to revive their cancelled events after the Government canned all New Year’s Eve music festivals.

The move saw Bar Pop (Ice Cream Factory, Factory Summer, Froth Town and SNACK), Middle Ground (Pineapple Club, Banana Social and Block Party), Habitat and Lab Six join forces.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to share the Ice Cream Factory with our friends who have their own unique audience. This venue is our pride and joy and all we want is for it to be full of happy guests, even if they’re wearing masks,” said Bar Pop owner, Chris Bausor at the time.

“We’ve always found a way to support Australian talent, and really enjoy giving them a platform to do what they love in front of their fans. I think it’s about time West Aussies dance again to some of their favourite artists at the home of summer.”