THE blows keep coming for the Australian music scene, with Bluesfest announcing next year will be final edition of the celebrated Byron Bay festival.
After 35 years of hosting some of the biggest names in the history of popular music the final Bluesfest will be held from April 17 to 20.
"After more than 50 years in the music business, Bluesfest has been a labour of love, a celebration of music, community, and the resilient spirit of our fans," festival director Peter Noble said.
"But after the 2025 festival, as much as it pains me to say this, it's time to close this chapter. As I said earlier this year at Bluesfest 2024, next year's festival will be happening and it definitely is, but it will be our last.
"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."
Since beginning 1990, Bluesfest has become one of the most popular and longest-running music festivals in Australia. Everyone from blues legends like B.B King, Taj Mahal and Santana and rock icons Bob Dylan, Robert Plant, Iggy Pop, Paul Simon and Patti Smith have graced its stages.
But after last-minute cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the festival has struggled to return to its pre-COVID level.
Major music festivals have been under severe financial pressures since the pandemic due to soaring production costs and weakening demand for tickets as music lovers faced cost of living pressures.
Fellow Byron Bay festival Splendour In The Grass as well as Falls Festival and Groovin The Moo have all collapsed in the past 18 months.
