Sadly, on Tuesday morning, they made the difficult decision to postpone it.

The 2022 event was first cancelled back in October last year before an announcement was made in December the committee would push ahead with the historic parade.

Festival committee spokesperson Peter Cox said ultimately the decision came down to the current COVID climate and how difficult the festival would be to organise.

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"The committee needs a more COVID safe environment to conduct the festival," he said.

"There are many events with thousands of people involved.

"A lot of people are enthusiastic about this event and we were all disappointed to have to make the decision to postpone."

He did say, however, the committee decided to support a number of community events including an Eaglehawk Dahlia Spectacular Show, a Family Fun Day and the Mulga Bill Literary Competition conducted out of the Eaglehawk Library in lieu of the festival.

"The difficulty we've had is dahlia's bloom in March and they've always had that competition so the rest of the festival has been tied to that time of year," he said.

"But by having the show still on that weekend, we are able to move the other elements of the festival away from it while still celebrating the dahlia's."

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Mr Cox said a new date for the 50th Festival would be decided in consultation with local organisations, sponsors and health authorities.

"The committee is talking to many people and businesses are indicating they want to get involved. A local survey and a well attended Forum also demonstrated enthusiasm for the return of the Festival." he said.

Meanwhile, the Bendigo Easter Fair has yet to put a pause on the upcoming celebrations.

The Bendigo Easter Fair Society president Simon Mulqueen said it was still 'full steam ahead' for the organisation as it prepares to celebrate its 150th event in less than three months' time.

"All we can do is hope this (COVID outbreak) has largely washed through by Easter," he said.

Organisers are continuing to plan for a COVID safe event to be provided across the Easter weekend, having cancelled plans for the 150th celebration in both 2020 and 2021.

"You just have to hope by April, things are better," Mr Mulqueen said.

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