Festival director Peter Noble has recently reversed his earlier statement regarding the future of Byron Bay’s cherished Bluesfest, which was initially slated to conclude with its 2025 edition. This unexpected change has rekindled excitement among fans and attendees who cherish this iconic festival that has been a staple of the Australian music scene for decades.
Bluesfest has stood the test of time, becoming a renowned institution in Australia?s festival landscape over its impressive 35-year history. Legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, BB King, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, and Kendrick Lamar have graced its stages, alongside celebrated Australian acts like Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Crowded House. The festival has not only showcased established stars but has also provided a crucial platform for emerging talent, fostering a vibrant music community.
In August, Peter Noble announced that the festival would conclude with one final celebration after the 2025 event, marking the end of an era for this beloved gathering. This announcement came as a surprise to many, as the festival has consistently attracted music lovers from across the country and beyond, making it a key event in Australia?s cultural calendar.
Noble expressed deep sentiments in a heartfelt statement to the Bluesfest community, saying, ?To my Dear Bluesfest Family, after more than 50 years in the music business, Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community, and the resilient spirit of our fans.? His words resonate with the festival’s long-standing commitment to bringing together diverse music lovers and creating lasting memories.
He continued, ?As much as it pains me to say this, it?s time to close this chapter,? as he reflected on the festival?s journey. Noble reassured fans that the upcoming festival in 2024 would go ahead as planned, but emphasized that it would be the last opportunity for attendees to experience this unique cultural phenomenon.
The news of Bluesfest’s potential closure adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of the festival industry?s challenges in recent years. Noble’s announcement coincided with the unexpected cancellation of Splendour in the Grass, another major music event in Byron Bay, highlighting the precarious nature of live events in Australia?s current climate.
However, a recent interview with Noble has shed light on the possibility of the festival continuing beyond 2025. He revealed to IQ Magazine that the initial decision to announce a closure was part of a strategy to garner support from the New South Wales state government, which has been crucial for many large-scale events.
Noble described the disappointment felt in August, stating, ?We had said to the government, ?Look, we need investment at this time; the cost of living crisis is really affecting events and there are cancellations everywhere?.? His plea for support reflects the broader struggles faced by event organizers in securing funding amidst economic challenges.
He recounted receiving a letter from the government indicating a lack of investment in Bluesfest, despite the festival generating an impressive $1.1 billion for the state through tourism over the past 12 years. ?That is a tsunami of gold but it seemingly doesn?t count,? Noble lamented, highlighting the disconnect between the festival?s contributions and governmental support.
Noble further noted the contrast with the recent launch of South by Southwest in Sydney, which received substantial state funding, raising questions about the equitable distribution of resources among Australia’s major cultural events. ?So what do we have to do? Do we have to say it?s the last Bluesfest to get people to focus on us?? he asked, emphasizing the need for recognition of Bluesfest?s significance in the Australian music scene.
He urged the state to acknowledge Bluesfest as a trailblazer in Australian music, stating, ?All we?ve asked our state to do is to show us that they care about the most highly awarded event in the history of Australian music.? Despite these challenges, Noble remains committed to finding ways for Bluesfest to thrive, as it has always been more than just a music festival; it represents community and resilience.
The 2025 edition of Bluesfest is set to take place over the Easter long weekend in April and will feature an impressive lineup that highlights local talent such as Crowded House, Hilltop Hoods, and Vance Joy. Additionally, the festival will welcome international artists like Gary Clark Jr., George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Allison Russell, and BJ The Chicago Kid, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Noble confidently stated that this year?s festival could be the ?most successful festival yet,? with ticket sales already indicating high demand. ?We?re on the path to selling out, with 89,000 passes sold, and I?m sure we?ll go past 90,000 after [yesterday?s] artist announcement,? he mentioned, underscoring the festival’s enduring popularity and the cultural significance it holds for many.
At its peak, Bluesfest drew an impressive average of 85,000 attendees, with numbers reaching a staggering 102,000 in 2022 as live music made a triumphant return. However, the most recent festival saw attendance dip below 65,000, prompting concerns about the ongoing recovery of the festival scene.
Noble also shared his proactive plans for the future, revealing that he is already in discussions to book artists for the 2026 edition of Bluesfest. Fans can expect exciting announcements about the lineup to emerge around August or September 2025, maintaining the tradition of unveiling the first lineup for the festival.
