Kiama's visitor economy is reeling from the impact of COVID restrictions keeping Sydneysiders at home in the busy school holiday period.

Accommodation bookings are being cancelled, with the holiday parks particularly hard hit.

Craig Hardy of The Sebel Harbourside Kiama told The Bugle that they have already had a number of cancellations, and even more people booked for later in the holidays enquiring about the cancellation policy, given the escalating situation.

At least two concerts - Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival's Mike Nock Quartet concert (27 June) and the Water Runners concert (25 June) - have been cancelled for this weekend.

"Members of the Quartet live in a Sydney red zone, so they weren't allowed to travel down," says Kiama Jazz & Blues' Becky Guggisberg.

"We are so disappointed, but hopefully it will be possible to reschedule it later in the year. It's hard, as we have to work around their availability and other bookings at The Pavilion."

After much consideration, it has been decided to continue ahead with the next concert in the Classical Kiama series - this time a solo performance by Kiama's very own internationally acclaimed German violinist, Daniel Rohn.

A taste of the performance

He will be performing a program of works by Bach, Paganini, Kreisler and Ysaÿe, which he has performed in Carnegie Hall and other great European concert halls. Now you have a chance to see it in the little white church at the end of Terralong St (which has great acoustics).

"Last time we had a Classic Kiama concert, we had someone come down from Brisbane especially for it after hearing Daniel in an hour long conversation on Classic FM," says his wife, flutist and Kiama local Ana de la Vega.

"Leo Schofield also came down with some friends for it, and was blown away by our concept of bringing world class music to small venues.

"While some Sydney people have had to cancel, we are determined not to disappoint our local audience. Hopefully more locals will come along to enjoy the experience and support us through these challenging times."

To enquire about the Classical Kiama series, email [email protected]