The sun had not yet dipped below the horizon on what was anticipated to be the final day of Bluesfest when the exciting news broke that this beloved event would continue. This announcement was a beacon of joy for fans and supporters alike.
With a rich history spanning 36 years, Bluesfest has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Australian music festival scene. Over the years, it has welcomed legendary artists such as Bob Dylan, BB King, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, alongside local talents like Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Tash Sultana. This dynamic festival not only showcases renowned stars but also provides a vital platform for emerging artists to gain exposure and connect with audiences.
Initially slated to conclude its storied run, this year’s festival took place from April 17-20 on Australia’s east coast. This marked a pivotal moment, as the festival organizers had hinted that it would be the final chapter in the illustrious legacy of Bluesfest. However, the future took a surprising turn.
“I want to reach out to my cherished Bluesfest family. After more than 50 years immersed in the music industry, Bluesfest has been more than just an event; it has been a labor of love, a celebration of diverse music, a tight-knit community, and a testament to the enduring spirit of our devoted fans,” festival director Peter Noble expressed in a heartfelt statement last year.
“Although it pains me to announce this, after the 2025 festival, it will be time to close this chapter of our journey,” he continued. “As I mentioned earlier at Bluesfest 2024, we are thrilled to confirm that next year’s festival will indeed take place, but it will mark our farewell.” This announcement cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the festival.
However, in a surprising twist during December, Noble revised his previous statement, indicating that the decision to end the festival was a strategic move aimed at regaining support from the New South Wales state government. He noted that organizers were actively booking artists for the anticipated 2026 edition.
On Sunday, April 20, Bluesfest officially declared that it would continue for the foreseeable future, announcing that the festival would be held during the Easter long weekend in 2026, specifically from April 2-5. Additionally, festival-goers were given an exclusive opportunity to purchase “pre-early bird tickets,” a limited-time offer that expired at the festival’s conclusion.
“Support our beloved festival and help secure its future by simply purchasing your ticket today at the best possible price,” organizers urged fans on social media. It is customary for standard early bird tickets to go on sale shortly after the festival ends, and organizers are expected to make this announcement in the coming days.
The exciting announcement regarding Bluesfest’s return in 2026 occurred just one day after Noble joined forces with Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Mandy Nolan to unveil the Australian Greens party’s Festivals Support Package during a press conference at the festival grounds.
The proposed support package aims to rejuvenate Australian festivals by allocating $20 million AUD annually in direct festival grants, alongside $2 million AUD dedicated to a comprehensive review of the challenges faced by the insurance market that currently impacts the live music sector. Additionally, it proposes a national festival strategy with tax offsets available for artists and venues.
“Our beloved festivals are facing a crisis,” Hanson-Young stated emphatically. “In recent years, we have witnessed a wave of cancellations affecting cherished and iconic festivals. It is abundantly clear that government intervention is imperative to support the industry.”
“With escalating costs, persistent insurance challenges, and numerous festival cancellations nationwide, this plan offers hope and essential support to ensure that Australia’s festival scene not only survives but thrives,” the organizers of Bluesfest affirmed.
The 2025 edition of Bluesfest featured iconic performances from Crowded House, Chaka Khan, and Toto as headliners, complemented by an impressive array of both Australian and international acts. While the artist lineup for the revival in 2026 has yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that details will emerge around August and September, aligning with the festival’s traditional schedule for announcing its first lineup.
