The future of the festival was put in doubt over new festival regulations set by the state government.

However, organisers have given assurances the festival will not be deemed "high risk" as first though, and licensing and approval requirements will remain unchanged.

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As the four-day event ran at a loss this year, organisers had expressed grave concerns to the Mercury if licensing and safety measures were going to inflate costs.

Artistic director David De Santi said the committee could now carry on organising for their 35^th hurrah next January.

Artist applications are now open, with Illawarra and South Coast musicians urged to apply.

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