PHOTO: JAMES ALLEN
Director Sarah Perriam said yesterday the event was ``taking a hiatus'' after three years.
"We have had some challenges with the New Year's Eve date as well as undertaking a personal business re-structure,'' Ms Perriam said.
The first two festivals were held at the Lake Hawea Hotel but the event moved to a site on the Clutha River downstream of Luggate last year.
Ms Perriam said the festival attracted more than 2000 patrons with an average age of 22. More than 80% were from outside the district.
The Branding was one of three country music events in the district last New Year.
