Meredith Sold Out, Bluesfest And BTV On The Way: Is The Festival Crisis Over?
Things are looking up.
Meredith Festival (Credit: Joshua Braybrook)
After a shocking start to the year for the Australian festival industry, things might finally be looking up.
Cult-classic festival Meredith sold out within 30 seconds this year, after boasting a line-up featuring the likes of Jamie xx, Waxahatchee, and Genesis Owusu. According to a statement, tickets “went like hot cakes.”
The last-ever Bluesfest is set to sell-out too, with organisers confirming the response from fans has been “nothing short of phenomenal”. With over 50% of tickets already gone, Bluesfest will be sold out “well before Christmas”.
The overwhelming support from punters comes alongside a petition started by Tamara Smith MP, the local member for Ballina, calling on the government to “save Bluesfest”.
In a statement, Smith said, “We cannot afford to lose Bluesfest. It is imperative that we take collective action to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy.”
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The line-up for the 2025 festival is headed up by Crowded House. Punters can also expect performances from Vance Joy, Tones & I, Ocean Alley, Gary Clark Jr, Rag'n'Bone Man, and many more.
Following suit, Beyond The Valley is also set to sell out soon. Within a few hours of the presale portal opening, 85% of tickets for the festival were already sold. And general sale hasn’t even opened yet - though it’s set to start at 12pm today.
The line-up for the New Years festival includes big names like FISHER, Ice Spice, Chase & Status, Marlon Hoffstadt, Tinashe, Royal Otis, Sammy Virji, and much more.
According to a comment from organisers Untitled Group, Beyond The Valley (BTV) has “defied the odds” with its success this year.
“As BTV gears up for its ninth edition with its most expansive lineup to date, these strong ticket sales are a clear indication of the enduring appeal of live music and the unique community BTV has built,” they said.
“Despite a challenging market with rising costs, regulatory challenges, and increased competition, BTV remains a beacon of creativity and connection, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that continues to draw fans from across the globe.”
So, with sell-outs on the horizon for a range of major Aussie festivals, is it safe to say that our crisis may be over?
2024 has not been without losses. Spilt Milk, Groovin The Moo, SPRINGTIME, Caloundra Music Festival, and, of course, Splendour In The Grass all fell victim to the cost-of-living crisis. But the government is finally stepping in.
Earlier this month, the federal government unveiled a new announcement in the budget for 2024/2025, revealing that its latest grant is available for “established live music venues and contemporary music festivals” that work to showcase Australian artists.
The $8.6 million Revive Live grant program also focuses on improving accessibility and enhancing participation opportunities for performers and audiences alike. Another key focus is establishing career pathways for artists and other music industry workers with disabilities.
Applications for the Revive Live grant program are now open and will close on 23 August 2024. For more information about how to apply, go here.
In a statement, Tony Burke, the federal Minister for the Arts, commented that the program will provide much-needed support for the Australian live music industry.
“Gigs have always been a huge part of my life, and I’ve seen firsthand the vital role live music venues and festivals play in giving Australian artists a platform to perform and launch their careers,” Burke said.
“This funding will help to address the challenges contributing to cancellations and closures among the live music scene.”
So maybe the festival industry will be okay after all.
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