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One of Australia’s longest-running music festivals has announced it is time to draw the curtain after 35 years.
Organisers of Bluesfest announced on Wednesday the Byron Bay event, which has been held since 1990, would celebrate its final show in 2025.
Festival director Peter Noble said it “pained” him to make the decision, but it was “time to close this chapter”.
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“Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community, and the resilient spirit of our fans,” he said.
“To my dear Bluesfest family, I want to make it the most unforgettable experience yet.
“If you’ve been thinking about it, now is your last chance to experience our beloved festival.”
The Easter weekend event has brought big names such as Bob Dylan, Hozier, John Mayer, John Legend and Angus and Julia Stone to the stage over the years, as it grew from just 6,000 punters in its first year to more than 100,000.
The cancellation is the latest loss for Australia’s hard hit live music industry, following Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Spilt Milk and Promise Village.
Adelaide’s Harvest Rock music festival was cancelled just last week over concerns about the organiser’s financial position.
Bluesfest has not yet announced its 2025 lineup.
More to come…