Yirrmal has graced Bluesfest stages three times (2017, 2018, 2023). His distinctive songwriting and musical abilities have been honed since childhood when he would take part in ceremonies and funerals on country. Yirrmal is the son of Witiyana Marika, singer and dancer in the original line up of Yothu Yindi.
An extraordinary, passionate storyteller, Yirrmal had us riveted during his interview. He has been described as expressing a powerfully instinctual and intuitive pledge that echoes and embraces curiosity, empathy and buoyant courage. And if this interview is anything to go by, that description is spot on.
Thank you, Yirrmal, for spending time chatting with Koey while at Bluesfest. We are all better off for it.
Check out Yirrmal’s interview below
Bluesfest is incredibly lucky to call Byron Bay and the broader Northern Rivers home. As we want you to get the most out of your stay here, we’re sharing our insider tips so you can have an unforgettable Bluesfest Holiday.
Minyon Falls
Minyon Falls in full flow is nothing short of jaw-dropping. At over 100m high, it’s the tallest on this list and an absolutely magnificent sight.
There’s something mystical about standing beneath a falling sheet of water, soaking up the spray on your face amid a primaeval rainforest. That’s what makes Minyon Falls one of the area’s most legendary waterfalls with visitors and locals.
The falls can be found in the eastern part of Nightcap National Park in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest. It’s the traditional land of the Bundjalung People and the world’s largest area of subtropical rainforest!
Killen Falls
Killen Falls has become an Instagram sensation, and it’s easy to see why. The waterfall is beautiful, it has a big swimming hole, and it’s much closer to Byron than some of the other waterfalls.
Whian Whian Falls
If you want a swim but don’t want the big hike down to the pool at Minyon, then you need to head to Whian Whian Falls. This is a smaller waterfall, but still absolutely beautiful, with two pools to choose from.
You can access the swimming spot via a 250m walking track, which takes less than five minutes. The path can get muddy and slippery in parts, so take your time, and it helps to have shoes rather than thongs.
Dave Gleeson has announced that he’s stepped down as lead singer of The Angels.
Having played with The Angles since 2011, Gleeson said: “Being a part of such a legendary legacy will always be one of my great achievements”.
“To the fans, my heartfelt thanks for accepting me into the fold over the last dozen or so years. With The Screaming Jets on the eve of a new album release and my national Triple M commitments, it’s time to move on.”
The Angels revealed their replacement: it’s drummer Nick Norton, who quite often takes over lead vocals during shows. Good luck, Nick! We can’t wait to check the new line-up out!
Bluesfest also pays tribute to the undisputed Queen of Rock’n’Roll, Tina Turner, who sadly passed away at age 83. Tina, you are gone but will never be forgotten.
