Bluesfest, one of Australia’s longest-running music festivals, has decided to close after 35 years.
Byron Bay Music Festival announced on Wednesday that its three-day festival, which is set to begin on April 17, 2025, will be its “final curtain call.”
‘Bluesfest Byron Bay, Australia’s largest and most awarded music festival, proudly announces that the 2025 edition will be its final closing event,’ the announcement reads.
‘After 35 years of celebrating the best of blues, roots music and more, the legendary institution that has brought the world’s best artists to Australia – plus a whole host of our own – will host its final festival.’
The final Bluesfest will take place from April 12-20 at Byron Events Farm, just outside Byron Bay, New South Wales.
Festival director Peter Noble OAM said Bluesfest was a “labour of love” and a celebration of community, music and the resilient spirit of fans.
However, Noble, who has been at the helm of the festival since 1994 and in the music industry for more than 50 years, said it was time to “close this chapter”.
“After the 2025 festival, as much as it pains me to say it, it is time to close this chapter,” he said.
“To my beloved Bluesfest family, I want this to be the most unforgettable experience you’ve ever had. If you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.”
Fans were urged to purchase tickets and be a part of Bluesfest’s iconic legacy and history, and the 2025 lineup promised to include many of the festival’s top artists.
Like many Australian festivals, Bluesfest has faced a number of challenges including cost increases, changes in ticket buying behaviour and being forced to close due to the Covid pandemic and extreme weather.
More to come…
