NSW MP starts online petition to save Bluesfest as Byron Bay music festival is cancelled after 35 years

A New South Wales MP has started an online petition to save Australia’s iconic music festival Bluesfest.

Organisers ended the long-running Byron Bay music festival earlier this month after 35 years of showcasing world-class artists.

The 2025 edition of Bluesfest will be the last, with artists such as Crowded House, Gary Clark Jr, Vance Joy, Fanny Lumsden and Tones and I taking to the stage.

Member for Ballina – which includes the Byron Shire where the festival is held – Tamara Smith has started a petition to call for a state government bailout to save the long-running event.

The GroenLinks MP said the government had to intervene to ensure the festival would go ahead because it is so important to the local economy.

“Bluesfest is not just a festival; it is a vital part of our community, our economy and our cultural identity,” Tamara said.

The petition calls on the state government to develop and implement a comprehensive rescue package for the festival, including financial assistance, policy support and the establishment of long-term support mechanisms.

According to a statement from festival organisers, Bluesfest has generated a staggering $775 million for the Byron Shire over the past decade, with festival-goers spending heavily on accommodation and restaurants.

It has also generated $1.1 billion in inbound tourism for NSW, with people travelling from out of state and internationally to the event.

The festival also created 7,182 full-time jobs in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, with 25,000 music industry people employed on the festival site.

If the petition reaches 20,000 signatures, the New South Wales parliament will have to hold a debate on the future of Bluesfest.

Byron Bay Music Festival announced earlier this month that the four-day event, which kicks off on April 17, 2025, will be the “final applause”.

‘Bluesfest Byron Bay, Australia’s most prestigious and award-winning music festival ever, is proud to announce that the 2025 edition will be the final applause,’ organisers said.

Tamara Smith, Member for Ballina, has started a petition calling for a State Government rescue package to save the long-running event

‘Bluesfest isn’t just a festival; it’s a vital part of our community, our economy and our cultural identity,’ Tamara said. Pictured is Neil Finn of Crowded House, who will headline Bluesfest 2025

‘After 35 years of celebrating the very best of blues, roots music and more, the legendary institution that has brought the world’s best artists to Australia, plus a host of our own, is hosting its final festival.’

The final Bluesfest will take place from April 17th to 20th at Byron Events Farm.

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, Peter, who has been at the helm of the festival since 1994 and has been in the music industry for more than 50 years, said it was time to ‘close this chapter’.

“As much as it pains me to say this, after the 2025 festival it is time to close this chapter,” he said.

‘To my dear Bluesfest family, I want to make this the most unforgettable experience yet.

“If you’ve been thinking about it, this is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.”

According to a statement from festival organisers, Bluesfest has generated an impressive $775 million for the Byron Shire over the past decade, with festival-goers spending big on accommodation and restaurants

Like many other Australian festivals, Bluesfest has faced many challenges, including cost increases, changes in ticket sales behaviour and being forced to close due to the Covid pandemic and extreme weather conditions.

Bluesfest was shut down in 2020 due to state-imposed restrictions on mass gatherings. The following year, the event was canceled just days before it was scheduled to open after a single case of Covid was diagnosed.

The festival made a bang in 2022, with a total attendance of ‘around 100,000’ people over five days.

However, the 2023 and 2024 Bluesfest events failed to sell out, putting Mr Noble under financial pressure.

Next year’s festival has also been reduced from five to four days due to rising costs and declining ticket sales.

Held in Byron Bay since 1990, Bluesfest has attracted some of the biggest names in blues and roots music.

International stars such as Bob Dylan, Jethro Tull, Tom Jones, Kendrick Lamar and Paul Simon have performed on the festival stage.

The 2025 edition of Bluesfest will be the last, with artists including Crowded House, Gary Clark Jr, Vance Joy, Fanny Lumsden and Tones and I (pictured) taking to the stage