2 x ARIA and 8 x CMAA Golden Guitar winning alt-country artist Fanny Lumsden ‘has established herself as one of the one of the genre’s most esteemed performers’ (The Australian) with her latest album HEY DAWN having taken out the ARIA for best Country album, debuting at #1 on the Australian Album ARIA charts, and being her second album in a row to crack the ARIA global top ten. More significant for Fanny, her ARIA win was announced by her hero Dolly Parton!
Fanny is continuing to break the rules and confirm herself as ‘undoubtedly the brightest new (country) star of the current era’ (Capital News). Following up her ‘breakthrough’ album Fallow which took out the ARIA, 5 CMAA Golden Guitars, and AIR Country album awards, Fanny is mostly known for her regional Country Halls Tour and has recently taken her joyous, energetic and brilliant live show to debut in the UK to a packed Avalon Stage at Glastonbury.
Wrapping up her Hey Dawn tour which sold out shows through NZ, Ireland, UK and theatres across Australia, and ‘confirms Fanny as a distinctive Storyteller, and an indelible personality who can win over fans in or outside of country music’ (Doug Wallan, The Australian).
Fanny begins her Story Club tour, an intimate evening with an acclaimed story teller on October 25, which she’s looking forward to. However the announcement that excited her more than anything was her inclusion on the final Bluesfest Byron Bay lineup for Easter 2025.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips caught up with Fanny Lumsden over a cup of zoom to chat about her upcoming Bluesfest appearance and so much more.
MORE ABOUT BLUESFEST
Held over the Easter long weekend from April 17 to 20, 2025, at the beautiful 300-acre Byron Events Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay, the festival will continue to uphold its commitment to quality, featuring multiple stages and a diverse lineup that spans the best in Blues, Roots Music, and Beyond.
This final edition is not just the end of an era; it’s a celebration of everything that Bluesfest has stood for over the past 35 plus years – music, community, and unforgettable experiences.
Recognised globally for its excellence, Bluesfest has earned numerous accolades, making it the most awarded music festival in the Australian entertainment industry.
BYRON BAY BLUESFEST 36TH AND FINAL FESTIVAL
EASTER 2025 APRIL 17 – 20 APRIL 2025
Announced so far:
Crowded House • Vance Joy • Ocean Alley • Tones and I • Gary Clark Jr • Rag’n’Bone Man • RY X • Allison Russell • Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram • Brad Cox • Here Come The Mummies EXCLUSIVE• The California Honeydrops EXCLUSIVE • Marc Broussard • Pierce Brothers • Taj Farrant EXCLUSIVE • Fanny Lumsden • 19-Twenty • WILSN • Cimafunk EXCLUSIVE • Neal Francis EXCLUSIVE
• Hilltop Hoods • Xavier Rudd • John Butler • The Cat Empire • Kasey Chambers • Melbourne Ska Orchestra • C.W. Stoneking • Budjerah • Lachy Doley Group • Ash Grunwald • Kim Churchill • Miss Kaninna • The Beards • Velvet Trip • FOOLS • ROSHANI • Sweet Talk • The Memphis Three Feat. Fiona Boyes, Jimi Hocking & Frank Sultana
HELP SAVE BLUESFEST
As announced earlier this year, if government assistance in the form of funding is not secured by Bluesfest, 2025 will sadly be the final Bluesfest Byron Bay. Whatever happens, Bluesfest 2025 will be huge, a four-day event, offering a power-packed experience that will close the curtain on this legendary institution.
Help Save Bluesfest – Don’t Dream It’s Over
Sign the National Petition Today!
From BLUESFEST Director Peter Noble …
Dear Friends of Bluesfest,
When we announced that 2025 would mark the last chapter of our beloved Bluesfest, it was not a decision we made lightly or willingly. The outpouring of love and support from this incredible community in response has been truly heartwarming. Your heartfelt messages have deeply touched us, reinforcing the strong bonds forged through years of shared musical experiences.
Thank you for standing with us during these challenging times. Your support has been crucial as we face the possibility of concluding a festival that we never wanted to end. Let’s strive to make Bluesfest 2025 a historic event that celebrates the indomitable spirit of our festival family.
Expanding Our Campaign for Support
After our NSW petition went online a month ago, we’ve nearly reached 8,000 signatures (goal of 20,000 by Nov 14th). Recognising the frustrations from those outside NSW eager to support, we’ve initiated a Change.org petition to enable national participation. NSW residents, we urge you to sign the original petition, but you are welcome to support the national petition as well.
Bluesfest Byron Bay is not merely a festival; it’s a cultural beacon and economic powerhouse now at risk. Yet, there is hope, beginning with your voice.
The Importance of Bluesfest
• Cultural Significance: Bluesfest has enriched Byron Bay with world-class music, creating a vibrant community of artists and music lovers.
• Economic Impact: Contributing over $775 million to Byron Shire and $1 billion to NSW, supporting over 20,000 jobs, and boosting tourism and local businesses.
• Community Spirit: Bluesfest is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of the arts, a driver of regional tourism, and a vital component of our local economy.
Or
Outside of NSW sign here:
If you live in NSW please sign the below: (if you have the time and haven’t done so also sign the national one please).
Your support at this pivotal moment is more crucial than ever. Together, let’s work to keep Bluesfest thriving for future generations. Please take a moment to sign and share our petitions broadly.