Future of Byron Bay Bluesfest in doubt as sellout crowds descend on Easter festival
The organisers of Byron Bay’s Bluesfest which generates $370m for the region, have been denied $3m from the NSW government to ensure the festival’s future.
Entertainment
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The beat is set to go on at the Byron Bay Bluesfest, with tickets already on sale for next year after fears the event would fold like other major music festivals.
Fans at this year’s festival, on over the Easter weekend at Tyagarah near Byron, are being shown billboard ads for a “pre early bird sale” for next year’s Bluesfest.
The signs say Bluesfest has asked for more than $3.5m in support from the NSW government to continue the festival now in its 36th year.
“It costs millions of dollars to put on Bluesfest,” the ads read.
“We generate $371 million for the region annually.
“We’ve asked the government for one per cent of that. We believe this is fair.
“However, they haven’t said yes, so we must rely on you.
“Please support our festival and guarantee our future by the simple task of buying your tickets this weekend.”
Bluesfest director Peter Noble has yet to officially confirm the popular festival’s future.
Speaking at last year’s Bluesfest, he pleaded for government support to allow the festival to continue, warning that this year’s was likely the last.
Other major festivals have also collapsed under the weight of soaring costs, including Byron’s Splendour in the Grass.
Bluesfest, featuring headliners including Crowded House and the Hilltop Hoods, was reduced this year from five days to four.
In anticipation this could be the last Bluesfest, along with perfect weather, this year’s festival has been packed with sellout crowds. Organisers were expecting almost 110,000 music fans over the Easter weekend, well up from 70,000 last year.
Shuttle bus tickets sold out on Friday, forcing organisers to put on extra carparking.
The Hilltop Hoods will close out Bluesfest 2025 on Sunday night.
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