Could regional NSW have music festivals from November? Government says it’s possible

The latest carrot dangling in front of NSW residents of all ages is the chance to have community events and music festivals in regional areas – but what’s the stick?

Imagine this — it’s a hot summer’s day in early 2022 and you are getting ready for your first festival in years.

According to NSW deputy premier, John Barilaro, it’s not impossible, as soon as most people get vaccinated.

“That’s all part of the discussions we are having (within government),” he said,

“At 70 per cent double dose of vaccination, some major events may not happen, but even at 70 per cent, we are allowing for ticketed events, with a range of Covid restrictions,” he said.

“But when we get to November, and specially December, with 80 per cent double vaccination, the road map says that we open up the state with some minor restrictions, but events like festivals and concerts in December will be available, and will be appropriate,” he said.

BYRON BAY, AUSTRALIA – JULY 26: Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips performs on stage during the Splendour in the Grass festival at Belongil Fields on July 26, 2009 in Byron Bay, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

So much to look forward to

The horse may have bolted – pun intended – for spring racing carnivals in Northern NSW, but are we too late to cancel the Grafton Jacaranda Festival?

The popular event normally goes ahead on the first week of November and has not been officially cancelled.

Another example is the Coffs Harbour Buskers and Comedy Festival, which is currently scheduled for October 22-24.

In the Byron Shire, the next big gathering could be a possible Falls Festival event, which normally occurs from December 31 to January 2 at North Byron Parklands.

Well into 2022, the promise of Bluesfest with an all-Australian line up, headlined by Midnight Oil, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Teskey Brothers and more is looking very promising. Could it be a five-day event again? After two years of very limited live music, it would be a blessing.

In July 2022, having thousands of people arrive to Byron Bay for Splendour in the Grass — headlined by Gorillaz, The Strokes and Tyler The Creator — could also help reactivate the Northern Rivers economy.

John Barilaro said these are the plans the government is currently working through.

“I’m very confident that November and December, specially in the regions, you will be having a number of those events and festivals,” he said.

The news could not come any sooner for artists, musicians and the entertainment industry.

2020 was the first year the entire Jacaranda Festival was cancelled in its 85-year history.

On Monday, the Live Alliance, which represents the live music industry, launched Vax The Nation.

Locals join the call to ‘vax the nation’

A number of Northern NSW artists joined the call for young people to get one of the Covid vaccines available

Mullumbimby local Amy Taylor, from Amyl and the Sniffers was one of them.

“If you can get vaccinated you should, unless you can figure out another way out of this mundane lukewarm bath filled with piss of an era,” she said.

“The risks of side effects are low, it’s going to be OK!

“Honestly, I’m fully vaxxed with no side effects! It’s for the community as a whole, so take one for the team. “

The Coffs Harbour International Buskers and Comedy Festival has been running since 2002. Photo Frank Redward

Powderfinger frontman and Byron Bay resident Bernard Fanning joined the campaign.

“There aren’t many things we can control in the world at the moment. It’s pretty hectic out there with loads of competing information,” he said. “For us, it is pretty straightforward. Vaccination is the only way out of this, for not just the live entertainment industry, but everyone.

“Back the science, back your community and especially its vulnerable members. Take control and get vaccinated.”

Tweed resident and comedian Celeste Barber said everyone needs to be on board with looking after each other.

“The entertainment industry alone has been completely decimated by Covid and ongoing lockdowns, ” she said.

“We want to get back to our jobs and entertain you, help you laugh, help you connect and get you dancing again. Vaccination is the way out of this. Get busy. Get vaxxed.”

Bluesfest and Falls Festival organisers were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Could regional NSW have music festivals from November? Government says it’s possible