NSW MP starts online petition to save Bluesfest as Byron Bay music festival is cancelled after 35 years
As a lifestyle expert with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia and a twinge of sadness upon hearing about the impending end of Bluesfest. This iconic Aussie music festival has been an integral part of our cultural tapestry for 35 years, bringing together music lovers from all corners of the globe to celebrate the best in blues, roots, and beyond.
An Australian legislator based in New South Wales has initiated a digital campaign, aiming to preserve the renowned Australian music event, Bluesfest.
Earlier this month, the organizers of a well-established music festival held at Byron Bay for 35 years decided to conclude its run, having presented top-tier artists on stage throughout these years.
In 2025, Bluesfest will conclude its run with performances by well-known acts such as Crowded House, Gary Clark Jr., Vance Joy, Fanny Lumsden, and Tones and I on the main stage.
Representative Tamara Smith from Ballina, who oversees the area that hosts the festival, has initiated a petition appealing to the state government for an emergency relief fund to preserve the ongoing event.
According to the Green Party MP, it’s crucial for the government to intervene to ensure the festival carries on, given its importance to the community’s economy.
“Tamara stated that Bluesfest isn’t merely an event, but it plays a significant role in our community, our economy, and our unique cultural essence.”
The petition urges the state government to create and carry out a multi-faceted relief plan for the festival, which involves providing financial aid, policy benefits, and establishing lasting aid structures.
As stated by the organizers of the event, over the past ten years, Bluesfest has significantly contributed around $775 million to the economy of Byron Shire. This substantial amount was primarily due to festival attendees splurging on accommodations and dining at local restaurants.
It has additionally attracted approximately $1.1 billion in tourist revenue to NSW, as people have come from within the country and abroad to participate in the events.
At the festival, a total of 7,182 permanent jobs were established within the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, and an additional 25,000 individuals from the music industry were employed directly during the event itself.
Should the petition gather 20,000 signatures, it will compel the New South Wales Parliament to conduct a discussion on the upcoming fate of Bluesfest.
As a devoted fan, I’m excited to share that the Byron Bay Music Festival has recently declared that their four-day extravaganza, kicking off on April 17, 2025, will mark their grand finale. It’s bittersweet news for us music enthusiasts!
“The organizers of Bluesfest Byron Bay, one of Australia’s most celebrated and decorated music festivals, have announced that the event in 2025 will mark its grand finale,” they stated.
For over three decades, I’ve been privileged to be part of an iconic platform that has showcased the cream of Blues, Roots music, and more, bringing global legends Down Under while nurturing our local talent. However, it is with a heavy heart that I announce this will be our final festival celebration, marking the conclusion of this remarkable journey.
The final Bluesfest will take place from April 17 to 20 on Byron Events Farm.
Peter Noble OAM, the festival director, described Bluesfest as an expression of affection, a tribute to community, music, and the indomitable spirit of its devoted followers.
Nonetheless, Peter, who has led the festival since 1994 (over 28 years) and boasts a career in the music industry exceeding half a century, expressed his desire to bring that phase of his life to a close.
Following the 2025 festival, with a heavy heart, it’s now appropriate to bring this phase to an end, he remarked.
‘To my dear Bluesfest family, I want to make it the most unforgettable experience yet.
‘If you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.’
Much like numerous festivals in Australia, Bluesfest has encountered several hurdles, such as escalating costs, shifts in ticket purchasing patterns, and unfortunate instances of closure caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and severe weather conditions.
2020 saw Bluesfest being closed because of state-imposed restrictions on large gatherings, and unfortunately, the event had to be called off entirely in 2021 when only a few days remained until its opening due to the detection of a single Covid case.
2022 saw the festival make a grand comeback, attracting approximately 100,000 attendees across its five-day duration.
Despite the fact that the 2023 and 2024 Bluesfest performances didn’t reach full capacity, this situation left Mr. Noble grappling with financial difficulties.
Due to rising costs and decreased ticket purchases, the upcoming festival will only last for four days instead of its usual five.
As a devoted admirer of music, especially blues and roots, let me tell you about my annual pilgrimage to the legendary Bluesfest in the enchanting town of Byron Bay – a journey that started way back in 1990. This magical gathering has been graced by some of the biggest titans in the blues world, making it an unmissable event for fans like me.
Distinguished artists such as Bob Dylan, Jethro Tull, Tom Jones, Kendrick Lamar, and Paul Simon have graced our stage during past events.
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2024-08-28 08:04