IN what could be seen as a huge set-back by any other body, organisers of the massive festival which was set to rock Young on October 24 have announced its postponement until March 27, 2010 with characteristic optimism.

With the lead act, Evermore, picked up by Pink as support for her European Tour there was little alternative left for organisers but to set another date, yet few begrudged what could be a massive break for the Australian band.

Chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Mark Sheridan said it was a great opportunity for Evermore. “Evermore have had to cancel or reschedule dates right across the country to be able to take up the offer from PINK and while we are disappointed to have to move our event to next year, Evermore are still committed to support our efforts to raise funds to build the Self Managed Renal Unit at Young District Hospital,” said Mr Sheridan.

“We have learnt so much over the past three months and now have more time to bring it altogether.

“We have worked on Logos, Marketing, Power, Toilets, Food, Security, Safety, Staging, Acts, traffic plans and more and we now have to work with our suppliers to shift the date.

“At the moment we are in the final negotiations with another two acts, one of which is bigger than Evermore, so we might be able to add another headline act making the concert even bigger,” Mr Sheridan said.

Existing ticket holders need to keep their tickets which remain valid for the new date and Mr Sheridan said anyone who may have purchased a ticket to the October 24 show, but cannot make it to the new March 27 show, should contact the organisers.

“We realise there may be some people who just may not be able to make it to the concert in March, for any number of reasons and they should know we are willing to work with them on this, arrangements will be put in place to manage a refund in these circumstance,” said Mr Sheridan.

To date Cherish Live has orders for over 900 T-shirts and ticket sales have been described by the committee as great, with a rush of sales expected as the date drew nearer. Cherish Live Day was due to be held this Friday however it too has been rescheduled to a date to be announced but Mr Sheridan said some time during the Cherry Festival celebrations could well be an ideal opportunity.

“The community support has been fantastic,” Mr Sheridan said.