Bluesfest has been held annually on the Easter long weekend, for the past 21 years in the Northern NSW town of Byron Bay, Australia. The festival presents over 200 live music performances and includes market stalls, international food halls, Kidz Club, workshops and on site camping facilities.
Bluesfest has been a pioneer in the presentation of blues and roots music in Australia. The popularity of the ‘blues and roots’ genre of music has grown so much that it is now recognised by the ARIA Awards as one of their major award categories. Bluesfest has given artist in this genre a major platform to present to their fans.
“Somehow Byron Bay festival (Bluesfest) has given me a microphone that projected out to the world stage. It is the most important festival of my life” – Ben Harper
“The Bluesfest is one of those festivals an artist dream about playing. When we first played in 2000 it was one of those pivotal life changing moments for us. To this day it is still one of my favourite shows and it literally launched my band nationwide”- John Butler
Bluesfest is proud to be an iconic member of the Byron Bay community and aims to celebrate the creativity and spirit of the town. Each year festival goer’s flock to the beachside town to enjoy the festival, as well as the sites and attractions of the Northern Rivers region.
In 2009, with the support of Events NSW, Bluesfest introduced the InDig Stage, showcasing Australia’s best Indigenous musicians and artists including Saltwater Band featuring Gurrumul, Christine Anu, Tevaka, Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter and many more.
“I’m a long time supporter of Indigenous Australian arts, music and land rights, so I’m extremely proud to have a stage dedicated to Indigenous heritage and cultural significance at the festival” – Peter Noble, Festival Director 2009.
In 2010 Bluesfest will be celebrating its 21st birthday on the Easter long weekend April 1st – April 5th.
participating in
- WOMEX 2009
- WOMEX 2007