Dear Bluesfest Family,
When we announced Bluesfest 2025 would be the final edition after 35 years, just over two months ago, we had no idea at the time of such an incredible response from you, if I may call you Super Fans – screamed back a collective Nooooo… and you bowled us over with your messages, of love and support, and of course a level of ticket sales which has given us hope…. again, at a time our heads were down.
Our NSW member of parliament Tamara Smith started a petition, within 2 days of our announcement, where if we get 20,000 signatures, (we only have around 10,000 so far, please help us.) The matter must be then debated in the NSW Parliament, and the question will be asked – Why, when our governments invest in and spend millions of dollars on imported events both in music and sport, they don’t support New South Wales premier music festivals to anywhere near the level we need currently in these times.
I don’t begrudge the imports being supported, as long as, it isn’t at the expense of investment in the best festivals in Australia, who have proved year after year that we are deserving of investment, yet we are still asking for financial recognition from our State investment arm.
If you don’t know, Bluesfest has bought into NSW across state and international borders over one Billion dollars in the last 12 years (inc the 2 years we didn’t operate due to Covid). Yet we are only asking for a fraction of that, to be able to continue present to you the quality festival that Bluesfest is renowned for.
We have worked nonstop since the last festival in our attempt to get investment from our government so we can both survive and thrive. We won’t stop, as we believe Bluesfest is worth it.
So many state politicians have contacted me advising us we have their support. One even put in a private members bill to be debated in the NSW parliament. I continue to say I do not want Bluesfest to end. I promise you I will work until my last breath to give it every shot I can think of to ensure our longevity.
Whilst we are the most highly awarded festival in the history of the Australian Music Industry ever, the real award goes to you the fans, without you we won’t exist.
Thank you, deeply, and sincerely, you gave all of us the ability to do what we love in this life, and that is giving the gift of music to the world.
Oh and by the way, a deep apology for the delay in the international artist announcement…we are nearly there.
I wish I could personally thank each and every one of you personally; I’ll try to meet a whole bunch of you at Bluesfest next Easter and shake your hand.
I love you.
Warm regards,
Peter Noble OAM
Chairman
Bluesfest Group of Companies
Your support has been incredible, but with only three weeks to go, we’re still only halfway to our goal of 20,000 signatures. We urgently need your help to push this over the line. Thank you to those who have already signed and shared, it’s a crucial step towards securing the future of our iconic festival, but we need everyone to rally now more than ever.
Our local NSW State MP Tamara Smith has launched an e-petition calling for a NSW Government support package. If we reach 20,000 signatures, the NSW Parliament will be required to debate the future of Bluesfest. Time is running out, please help us reach this milestone by signing and sharing the petition today.
For those outside NSW, we’ve also launched a national petition on Change.org, which has already gathered nearly 5,000 signatures in under a week.
Why Should the Government Invest in Bluesfest?
Cultural Impact: A cornerstone of NSW’s cultural scene, showcasing global music talents.
Economic Benefit: The last decade has seen Bluesfest generate $775 million for Byron Shire from festival goers spending in the community on accommodation, restaurants, etc. Plus over $1.1 billion in inbound tourism for NSW (people travelling from outside NSW or internationally), supporting 7,182 fulltime jobs in the Northern Rivers and 25,000 music industry workers employed onsite at the festival.
Community Value: More than a festival—it’s a celebration of arts, driving regional tourism and local economy.
Tamara Smith urges NSW and Federal Governments to save Bluesfest. It’s vital for our community and cultural identity.
How You Can Help:
If you are located within NSW Sign the government E-petition:
Located outside of NSW Sign our new national petition through Change.org:
Tamara Smith MP: “We cannot afford to lose Bluesfest. It’s imperative we act now to preserve it for future generations.”
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can secure the future of Bluesfest.
As we gear up for Bluesfest 2025, the excitement is palpable, and ticket demand is off the charts! With a whopping 80% of tickets gone, several categories are nearing sell-out status or are completely booked. If you haven’t grabbed your tickets yet, now is the moment to make your move. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s still up for grabs and what’s already flying off the shelves!
Low Ticket and Accommodation Summary:
SINGLE DAY SATURDAY TICKETS: LESS THAN 150 LEFT
UNDER 10 & CHILD TICKETS (10-14)
- Under 10 Tickets: SOLD OUT for 4-Day, 3-Day, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Child (10-14) Tickets: SOLD OUT for 4-Day, 3-Day, and Single Day Saturday.
CAMPING & ACCOMODATION
- All On-site Camping and Large Vehicle Spots: SOLD OUT on the Bluesfest site.
With camping selling out, the ONLY WAY to stay at Bluesfest is by purchasing onsite accommodation:
- Glamping: Final Spots remaining. Act fast to secure your spot.
- Tent Motel and Rainbow Tipis: Still available—great alternatives for comfortable on-site accommodation.
Details on how to order onsite accommodation below.
New Booking Process for On-Site Accommodation: Our on-site accommodation options, including Glamping, Rainbow Tipis, and Tent Motels, are now available through a new booking process. To reserve your spot, please fill out the form linked below. Once submitted, our team will contact you directly to finalize your booking. These accommodations are selling quickly, so we encourage you to register your interest soon to enjoy the ultimate Bluesfest experience from the comfort of our festival accommodations.
Commitment to Your Experience: We are committed to ensuring that your Bluesfest experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to improve our services to better serve you.
Camping Onsite-Accommodation Options
Glamping
For a stress-free Bluesfest, book one of our popular Glamping Tents. Enjoy pre-set-up tents with comfortable foam mattresses on a pallet base, a rug, a side table, chair, and clothes hook. You’ll receive quality bed linen and pillows, a light, and toiletries. Plus, access to BBQ facilities, a communal lounge, a coffee & tea station, toilets, and showers.
Rainbow Tipis
Rainbow Tipis offer a unique touch to your Bluesfest experience. These pre-set-up tipis include single foam mattresses on a camp bed, a floor, a bedside table, and an LED lantern. Just bring your own bedding and enjoy!
Tent Motels
For a hassle and stress free Bluesfest, book your accommodation in one of the popular Tent Motels – pre set up tents, complete with an awning, 12v light, and stretcher beds and roll up windows– all you need to bring is your bedding.
Update:
With the unprecedented demand this year, all on-site camping has now sold out. However, we are excited to offer a fantastic alternative for those still looking to stay close to the action. We are in the midst of securing additional BYO camping and large vehicle spaces just 10 minutes from the Bluesfest site.
We have received recent communication from the Office of the NSW Arts Minister, Jobs and Tourism that there is potentially a way forward in approving the North Byron Parklands site for camping. Our team is now in communication with the NSW planning department. Stand by for our update.
For the latest updates and to secure your camping spot, please register on our Camping Waitlist today. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the Bluesfest community!
Update: Bus routes to be announced next week.
We are excited to bring back the PayPal Pay in 4 buy now pay later option. This option will allow you to pay for your Bluesfest tickets and all Bluesfest add-ons in four payments rather than one.
We have listed the steps on how to use our PayPal Pay in 4 option above. So if it paying in four sounds like a good idea to you, check it out.
LIMITED STOCK AVAILABLE FOR THE BELOW ITEMS
Cat Power Sings Dylan ’66
Thursday, 13th of March, 2025
Nearly 59 years after Bob Dylan’s iconic 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert, CAT POWER will honor this transformative moment at The Green Room on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Dylan’s switch from acoustic to electric mid-show sparked outrage from folk purists and forever changed rock ‘n’ roll. CAT POWER, also known as Chan Marshall, brings her own powerful interpretation of this historic performance with conviction and grace.
Her live album, Cat Power Sings Dylan: The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert, released in 2023, features classics like “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” and “Just Like A Woman,” alongside tracks from Blonde on Blonde. Don’t miss this spellbinding tribute to one of music’s pivotal moments.
The Saints ’73-’78
Saturday, 30th of November, 2024
The Saints; one of the most revered, reviled and talked about bands in all Australian music history will reform this November in celebration of a vinyl box set release of their bona-fide 1977 classic debut (I’m) Stranded.
Featuring founding members, guitarist Ed Kuepper and drummer Ivor Hay alongside honorary Saints; singer Mark Arm of the legendary Mudhoney, bassist Peter Oxley of Sunnyboys fame and former The Birthday Party / Bad Seeds guitarist Mick Harvey, The Saints ’73-’78 will recreate the sounds of The Saints hugely influential first three albums (I’m) Stranded (1977), Eternally Yours (1978) and Prehistoric Sounds (1978).
TYLER CHILDERS
Sunday, 9th of February, 2025
The Green Room is excited to host a country superstar next February. This show sold out within 10 minutes of going on sale, demonstrating the tremendous appetite in Byron and the surrounding regions for epic performances like this one.
The Green Room is our dedicated venue within the Bluesfest precinct that not only hosts some of the most electrifying live performances but also serves as a platform for artists to connect deeply with audiences in an intimate setting. With state-of-the-art acoustics and a warm, inviting atmosphere, The Green Room is designed to deliver an unparalleled live music experience.
Recently, The Green Room has hosted an array of diverse and dynamic shows, reflecting the broad spectrum of musical talent drawn to this unique venue. From the soulful melodies of Xavier Rudd and Ziggy Alberts to the exhilarating performances by The Cat Empire and the deep blues of Charlie Crockett, each event has left a lasting impression on our audience. Legendary acts such as Dirty Three and Cruel Sea have also graced our stage, adding to the eclectic mix of genres and styles presented at The Green Room.
Stay tuned for more thrilling events at The Green Room. Whether you’re a longtime music lover or just discovering your passion, we promise there are many more incredible moments to come.
