BluesfestFollowing this morning’s news that Bluesfest will not be going ahead with its 2026 event, organisers have now issued an official statement confirming the cancellation.
News of the festival’s cancellation broke this morning, with multiple sources confirming to The Music it would not be going ahead on the Easter long weekend of April 2nd through 5th.
The ticketing website for Bluesfest was currently no longer offering tickets for sale at the time of publication, and The Music had also reached out to festival PR and Festival Director Peter Noble OAM for comment.
“After 36 years as Australia’s most awarded music festival, Byron Bay Bluesfest has made the difficult decision not to proceed with the 2026 event,” a statement released to the media read.
“We are deeply saddened by this outcome and the impact it will have on our artists, staff, partners, vendors and the many loyal Bluesfest fans who have been part of the festival’s journey for more than three decades.
The statement continued:
For more than three decades, Bluesfest has been a cornerstone of Australia’s live music calendar and a major contributor to the regional visitor economy. In 2025, the festival generated approximately $65 million in indirect tourism spending for Byron Bay, $130 million across the Northern Rivers region, and around $230 million in economic activity across New South Wales. The festival has supported local businesses, tourism operators, hospitality venues, suppliers and the broader creative community.
This decision follows extensive consideration of the current operating environment for major live music events. Rising production, logistics, insurance and touring costs, combined with softer ticket demand and international uncertainties, have made it impossible to proceed with the festival in 2026.
“For more than three decades, Bluesfest has brought extraordinary artists and audiences together in Byron Bay while also driving significant tourism and economic activity for the Northern Rivers and New South Wales,” added Festival Director Peter Noble OAM.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
“This makes the decision incredibly difficult. After careful consideration, we concluded we could not proceed in a way that would meet the standard our audiences, artists and partners expect.”
The statement also notes that a liquidator has been brought into to manage the festival’s financial matters, including vendor and partner obligations. The liquidator will also be directly contacting all ticketholders in regard to the “process for submitting claims and any potential refund arrangements.”
Additionally, information relating to vendors, suppliers, and partners will be communicated directly, while matters relating to vendors, suppliers and other stakeholders will be “managed through the appropriate financial administration processes.”
“Bluesfest acknowledges the disappointment this decision will bring to the Byron Bay and Northern Rivers community and to the many loyal fans who have travelled from across Australia and around the world to be part of the festival over many years,” the statement concludes.
“We thank the many local businesses, partners, artists and audiences who have supported the festival over its remarkable 36-year history.”
The 2026 edition of Bluesfest was set to be headlined by Split Enz, Parkway Drive, Sublime, and more. It’s currently unknown whether previously-announced sideshows for festival acts will go ahead as planned.
