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Bluesfest 2024 Delivers Huge Economic Impact of $235 Million for NSW: But Can We Save It for 2025 and Beyond?
A Message from Peter Noble OAM, Executive Chairman of Bluesfest
Sharing these numbers with you is bittersweet in light of our recent announcement that 2025 will mark the final chapter of Bluesfest. The results from our 2024 event are nothing short of remarkable: Bluesfest contributed $235 million in inbound tourism to New South Wales. This is an amazing achievement, not only for the Byron Shire but for the entire state, demonstrating just how significant Bluesfest is to our local and state economies, yet in 2024 Bluesfest lost money, and we still delivered an amazing result for NSW.
I want to make it clear that it was never my intention to end Bluesfest. I have always believed in its future, and I still do. But the current circumstances make it impossible to continue the festival in its current form. That said, I firmly believe Bluesfest is something worth preserving – not just for today’s music lovers, but for future generations, including those who haven’t even been born yet. The arts, and events like Bluesfest, are worth protecting.
Consider this: Bluesfest has been nominated 10 times for Pollstar Awards USA – Best International Festival. While we haven’t yet taken home the top prize, The Glastonbury Festival always wins, it’s a true testament to the level we’ve reached. In fact, just two years ago, we were voted one of the top 10 best festivals of the decade worldwide by Pollstar USA.
Bluesfest is an institution. We’re sharing this information to demonstrate the economic impact Bluesfest has on New South Wales, year after year. It’s something we believe is worth fighting for. Although we’ve announced that 2025 will be our last festival, it doesn’t have to be. Under current economic conditions, we simply cannot continue and that’s why we have asked for NSW government support.
We’re not looking for a handout. We’re looking for a hand up as our industry grapples with the cost-of-living crisis and other challenges. In the past decade alone, Bluesfest has contributed over a billion dollars in inbound tourism to the state of NSW. To the government, I ask: is that not worth saving?
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep the spirit of Bluesfest alive.
Warm regards,
Peter Noble OAM
Executive Chairman, Bluesfest Group of Companies
Bluesfest, 9-time winner of the Best Major Events and Festivals category (6 Gold, 3 Silver) at the NSW Tourism Awards, and the only festival to be inducted as a member of the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, as well as an 8-time winner at the North Coast Tourism Awards for Best Major Events and Festival, has just released the results of the Economic Impact Report for its 2024 event, held in the Byron Shire near the legendary town of Byron Bay, NSW.
The report, conducted by Lawrence Consulting, reveals significant economic contributions at a crucial time, as Bluesfest prepares for its final festival in 2025 due to the breakdown in attracting investment from the NSW Government.
Economic Impact Highlights for 2024:
· Gross Regional Product Contribution:
o $42.4 million to Byron Shire
o $83.2 million to the Northern Rivers
o $130.5 million to New South Wales
· Job Creation:
o 358.5 full-time jobs were created in Byron Shire
o $54.4 million in wages and salaries
· Total Economic Output:
o $235.1 million across New South Wales
The report also estimates that attendees at Bluesfest 2024 spent:
· $32.7 million in Byron Shire
· $54.6 million in the Northern Rivers region
· $70.5 million within NSW
Demographic Highlights:
· 47% of attendees came from outside NSW, including 2% from overseas.
· 30% of NSW attendees came from areas outside the North Coast.
· 57% of attendees were female.
· 60% of attendees were aged 35 and older, while 35% were aged 35 and under, with the remaining attendees being children.
These findings underscore the significant economic benefits that Bluesfest brings to the region, even amid challenging economic times. The management team at Bluesfest hopes these results will encourage the NSW Government to reconsider its position on funding, providing a pathway for the festival to continue beyond 2025.
VIEW FULL REPORT
https://ddd49001-c6e0-431c-829d-739b4b4c4334.usrfiles.com/ugd/ddd490_665eeccec91646f9bccce1c9f69d7dab.pdf
Call to Action: Sign the Petition to Save Bluesfest
While the economic impact of Bluesfest is undeniable, the festival is still facing closure after its final event in 2025. However, there is hope. Local State MP for Ballina (which includes Byron Bay) Tamara Smith has launched an E-petition calling on the NSW Government to provide a rescue package for Bluesfest. If we reach 20,000 signatures, Parliament will be required to hold a debate on the future of Bluesfest. Currently at around 6,000 signatures in just 3 weeks.
Why is Bluesfest Important?
· Cultural Significance: Bluesfest has been a cornerstone of the state’s cultural landscape, bringing world-class music to Byron Bay and fostering a vibrant community of artists and music lovers.
· Economic Impact: Over the last decade.
o Bluesfest generate $775 million for Byron Shire from festival goers spending in the community on accommodation, restaurants, etc.
o Plus over $1.1 billion in inbound tourism for NSW (people travelling from outside NSW or internationally)
o Creating 7,182 fulltime jobs in the Northern Rivers and employing 25,000 music industry workers employed onsite at the festival.
· Community Spirit: Bluesfest is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of the arts, a driver of regional tourism, and a vital part of the local economy. We are the pride of our community for over 35 years.
Tamara Smith MP has made a powerful call to action, urging both the NSW and Federal Governments to step in and save Bluesfest. “Bluesfest is not just a festival; it’s a crucial part of our community, our economy, and our cultural identity,” she said.
How Can People Help?
We need your support to ensure that this message reaches the halls of Parliament. Here’s how you can help:
1. Sign the E-petition: Your signature can make a difference. Let the NSW Government know that Bluesfest matters to you and our community. You must be a NSW resident to sign.
If we reach 20,000 signatures, Parliament will be required to hold a debate on this critical issue.
o SIGN PETITION HERE: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetition-details.aspx?q=R3_KU5w90AcnCkWT1-E0_A&ref=bluesfest-cm
a. Share the Petition: Spread the word through your network. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to sign the petition and help us save Bluesfest.
b. Share on Social Media: Use the hashtag #SaveBluesfest to show your support.
2. Raise Awareness: Talk about the importance of Bluesfest in your community. The more people know, the stronger our collective voice will be.
“We cannot afford to lose Bluesfest. It is imperative that we take collective action to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy,” added Tamara Smith MP.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make a difference and secure the future of Bluesfest.
Exciting 2nd Artist Announcement Next Week: Don’t Miss Out!
As Bluesfest gears up for its final edition in 2025, we’re ready to deliver what promises to be the most unforgettable lineup yet. Next week, we will unveil the first of several artist announcements for our historic 2025 festival, adding even more world-class acts to an already stacked lineup.
With iconic performances from the best in Blues, Roots, and Beyond, the 2025 lineup is set to celebrate the festival’s incredible 35-year legacy with both long-time fan favorites and exciting new talents. Expect a thrilling mix of legendary performers, emerging artists, and some exclusive Australian-only appearances.
Ticket Update:
· 60% of entry tickets have already been sold, and the demand is only increasing as anticipation builds for this landmark event.
· Camping tickets are 90% sold out, as festival-goers secure their spots to fully experience the final Bluesfest weekend.
This is shaping up to be the most celebrated Bluesfest yet – don’t wait to secure your tickets. With this lineup and the historical significance of our final edition, this festival will be one for the ages.
Stay tuned for the artist announcement next week and be prepared to witness the best of Bluesfest one last time!
About Bluesfest Byron Bay
Bluesfest Byron Bay has been Australia’s premier contemporary Blues, Roots, and Beyond music festival since 1990. What started as a humble celebration of Blues & Roots music has grown into one of the most significant music festivals in the world. Of our many awards being recognized in the top 10 music festivals of the world from Pollstar, demonstrates the significance of this festival not just locally but around the world.
Over the years, the festival has hosted an incredible array of iconic artists, including Blues legends like BB King and Buddy Guy, music legends such as Santana, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Paul Simon, Bonnie Rait and Robert Plant, and contemporary greats like Dave Matthews Band, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, who made his first festival appearance in Australia at Bluesfest. Let’s not forget the amazing Australian artists that have played such as Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Kasey Chambers and Crowded House and so many more.
The final Bluesfest will be a four-day event, offering a power-packed experience that will close the curtain on this legendary institution. Held over the Easter long weekend from April 17 to 20, 2025, at the beautiful 300-acre Byron Events Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay, the festival will continue to uphold its commitment to quality, featuring multiple stages and a diverse lineup that spans the best in Blues, Roots Music, and Beyond.
This final edition is not just the end of an era; it’s a celebration of everything that Bluesfest has stood for over the past 35 plus years – music, community, and unforgettable experiences.
Recognised globally for its excellence, Bluesfest has earned numerous accolades, making it the most awarded music festival in the Australian entertainment industry.
Awards include:
· 1 WIN at the Keeping the Blues Alive Award Memphis for Bluesfest Director Peter Noble
· 9 WINS at the NSW Tourism Awards for Major Festivals and Events – (6 Gold, 3 Silver)
· Induction into the NSW Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2019 for three wins a row.
· 8 WINS at the North Coast Tourism Awards for Major Festivals & Events
· 4 WINS at the Helpmann Awards for Best Contemporary Music Festival (Ceremony for Australia’s most talented and celebrated performers and industry)
· 1 WIN at the Helpmann Awards for Best International Contemporary Concert
· 8 WINS at the Australian Event Awards for Best Cultural & Music and Event of The Year
· 6 NOMINATIONS for NSW for Major Festivals & Events at the Australian Tourism Awards (2 Silver, 1 Bronze)
· 10 NOMINATIONS at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Year (No other Australian Festival nominated in this or last decade)
· 1 WIN at the Pollstar Awards (USA) for International Festival of the Decade with a top 10 finish in 2021.
· 1 WIN at the first Variety Awards for Festival of the Year
