Bluesfest Byron Bay: Aussie music festival abruptly cancelled just weeks before
It had been set to kick off in less than three weeks.
Byron Bay’s legendary Bluesfest has been abruptly cancelled, less than three weeks before it was set to kick off.
Organisers shared the shock news on social media on Friday morning, disappointing the thousands of fans who had bought tickets to see headline acts Split Enz and Parkway Drive over the course of the festival which was set to run over the Easter long weekend from April 2-5.
More than 100,000 fans attended the event last year.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Rising costs have been blamed for the cancellation, with a liquidator appointed.
“After 36 years as Australia’s most awarded festival, we are deeply sorry to share that Bluesfest will not proceed in 2026,” organisers wrote in an Instagram post.
“This is an incredibly difficult decision, and we are so proud of everything Bluesfest has achieved: the music, the artists, the busking competition, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and the community that has grown around the festival over the past three decades.
“Rising production, logistics, insurance and touring costs, combined with a challenging environment for major live events, mean it is no longer possible to deliver the festival to the standard our audiences, artists and partners expect.“A liquidator has been appointed to manage all financial matters.”
Organisers said all ticket holders, including parking pass customers and campers, will be contacted directly about the claims process and any “potential refund arrangements”.
Just two days ago, organisers were still spruiking the event’s performers on social media.
Bluesfest director Peter Noble had declared in 2025 that that year’s festival would be its last, and told people it would be their “last chance” to attend, so many were surprised when plans for the 2026 went ahead.
Of the cancellation, Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye told the ABC it was sad news for the local community.
“Obviously a huge economic loss but also such a big part of the fabric of our community.”
“Anyone that’s trying to arrange things that involve lots of international travel, with prices going up the way they are and the instability.
“I can only imagine it would be very difficult.”
