The return of Australia’s legendary Bluesfest has been officially confirmed for the year 2026, following one of its most successful years since the COVID-19 pandemic. This resurgence has been significantly supported by emergency funding from the New South Wales Government through its Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund, which aims to bolster the live music sector during challenging economic times.
Bluesfest 2025 took place over the Easter long weekend and attracted over 109,000 attendees over five days. This impressive turnout marks the highest attendance since 2019 and ranks as the third-largest audience in the festival’s remarkable 35-year history. This milestone is particularly noteworthy as it follows recent comments from festival director Peter Noble, who expressed concerns that the event might be facing its final edition due to ongoing economic pressures impacting the live events sector.
The diverse lineup for this year included talented artists such as The Pierce Brothers, the reunion of The Beards, Kim Churchill, Nahko, Fools, Eric Stang, RY X, Sweet Talk, 19-Twenty, Roshani, WILSN, and Clarence Bekker. This variety demonstrates Bluesfest’s commitment to showcasing both established and emerging musical talent across multiple genres, making it a must-attend festival for music lovers of all ages.
“We are proud to be the top-selling music festival in Australia, and we have dedicated significant effort to achieve this status,” remarked Bluesfest Director Peter Noble. His statement reflects the hard work and passion that goes into organizing such a large-scale event, which continues to draw in huge crowds and foster a love for live music.
The shift in sentiment regarding the festival’s future was notably influenced by the NSW Government’s $2.25 million lifeline allocated to various festivals. Bluesfest, along with other notable events like Listen Out, Field Day, Lost Paradise, and Your’s and Owls, each received up to $500,000 in funding through this initiative. This financial support is crucial in helping festivals manage the increasing costs associated with insurance, freight, currency exchange, and changing ticket-buying habits.
“The financial challenges faced by music festivals in NSW during the post-COVID era have been overwhelming,” stated John Graham, the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy. He emphasized the necessity for government intervention to preserve these cultural events, noting that the feedback received indicates that this funding has been instrumental in allowing some festivals to survive the current economic climate.
“From my experience at Bluesfest this weekend to events like Listen Out and Lost Paradise, it’s clear that people of all ages cherish the experience of outdoor music festivals and the array of artists they encounter. Losing these cultural experiences due to financial constraints would be a significant loss for our community,” he continued, highlighting the vital role festivals play in enriching the cultural fabric of society.
“The festival circuit is a crucial component of the live music industry, supporting nearly 15,000 jobs. Its importance cannot be overstated, which is why we are committed to backing these festivals with emergency funding and reforms aimed at reducing their costs,” he asserted, underlining the government’s commitment to preserving the live music scene in the region.
Emily Collins, the Head of Sound NSW, added, “The funding is not just a financial boost; it provides essential support for iconic festivals and helps alleviate the pressures of a rapidly evolving industry landscape. We take pride in supporting exceptional festivals that continue to deliver world-class music experiences for the people of NSW.”
The second round of funding from the Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund is set to open on May 1, just in time for the upcoming 2025–2026 summer season. Eligible festivals are encouraged to apply based on their specific needs, ensuring that they can continue to thrive and adapt to the changing landscape of the music industry.
