Bluesfest Byron Bay: 2025 festival to be event’s last after 35 years

Next year’s Byron Bay Bluesfest will be the last in a devastating blow to the region’s economy, as festival director Peter Noble reveals it’s “time to close this chapter”. FULL DETAILS

Next year’s Byron Bay Bluesfest will be the last, with festival director Peter Noble declaring “time to close this chapter”.

Mr Noble confirmed the curtain would come down on the festival after 35 years, without a reason for the decision.

He said in a statement the four-day festival would be the “last chance to experience the magic, the music, and the memories that have made Bluesfest a beloved institution”.

“Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community, and the resilient spirit of our fans,” he said.

Bluesfest Festival Director Peter Noble. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“But after the 2025 festival, as much as it pains me to say this, it’s time to close this chapter. “As I said earlier this year at Bluesfest 2024, next year’s festival will be happening and it definitely is, but it will be our last.

“To my dear Bluesfest family, I want to make it the most unforgettable experience yet (and) if you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.”

The festival’s end will be a blow to the Northern Rivers economy, which will lose out on the influx of tens of thousands of music fans each Easter.

In pictures: Byron Bay Bluesfest

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It is the region’s second major festival to be lost recently with organisers of Splendour in the Grass pulling the pin in March after just two weeks of ticket sales.

Organisers of that said in a statement it was “with a heavy heart” that the event would not go ahead

“We know there were many fans excited for this year’s line-up and all the great artists planning to join us, but due to unexpected events, we’ll be taking the year off,” a statement read.

Bluesfest, Australia's largest International Festival of Blues and Roots Music is ending: Picture: Joseph Mayers

“We thank you for your understanding and will be working hard to be back in future years.”

Mr Noble is urging fans to attend the “final curtain call”, which he promised would feature “a line-up worthy of this momentous occasion”.

The line-up is expected to be named next week.

“This is the last chance to experience the magic, the music, and the memories that have made Bluesfest a beloved institution, and we are expecting many our greatest artist, plus a bunch of first timers to join us in the celebration, with a first artist announcement imminent.”

The event has drawn massive crowds for decades. Picture: Tao Jones

Among the artists who have played the festival over the years are BB King, Buddy Guy, Santana, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt and Robert Plant, Dave Matthews Band, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, and Kendrick Lamar.