Bluesfest Byron Bay has been Australia’s premier contemporary Blues, Roots, and Beyond music festival since 1990. What started as a humble celebration of Blues & Roots music has grown into one of the most significant music festivals in the world. Of the many awards being recognized in the top 10 music festivals of the world from Pollstar, demonstrates the significance of this festival not just locally but around the world.
Over the years, the festival has hosted an incredible array of iconic artists, including Blues legends like BB King and Buddy Guy, music legends such as Santana, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Paul Simon, Bonnie Rait and Robert Plant, and contemporary greats like Dave Matthews Band, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, John Mayer, Mary J Blige, and Kendrick Lamar, who made his first festival appearance in Australia at Bluesfest. Let’s not forget the amazing Australian artists that have played such as Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, Kasey Chambers and Crowded House and so many more.
As the countdown to the final edition of Bluesfest begins, organisers are proud to reveal the second wave of artists joining the lineup for Bluesfest 2025. True to the festival’s heritage, this announcement is stacked with some of the country’s finest blues, roots, and contemporary acts, bringing together an incredible mix of iconic performers and rising stars. From the long-awaited return of Hilltop Hoods to fan-favourite acts like Xavier Rudd, John Butler, The Cat Empire, and Kasey Chambers, this lineup reflects the best of Australian music, while paying homage to the festival’s rich legacy in blues and roots.
Earlier this year, music fans were saddened to hear that the 2025 Bluesfest in Byron Bay would be the last. However, promoter Peter Noble promised that they’d be going out with a bang and of course speculation ran wild that the farewell festival might return to its glory days and feature many major international headliners. Those hoping for a John Fogerty, Bob Dylan, David Gilmour, or Eric Clapton level addition in lineup announcement two may have set their expectations a little high, considering the current economic climate and the weakness of the Australian dollar… but you never know what Bluesfest may provide next. It’s always full of surprises. Taking all of that into consideration, the second cache of additions announced today was an all Australian affair, with the promise of more international artists still to come! Not that there’s anything wrong with that, we’re always keen to celebrate the amazing talent that we are so lucky to enjoy in this country. But longtime Bluesfest Festival goers have fond memories of past lineups that were the envy of the world featuring numerous iconic music acts in the same year. Fingers crossed that one or two high profile legends will be announced soon.
In the meantime, a petition has been created to gain funding support for Bluesfest from the NSW Government, so the game is not officially over just yet! See below for petition details
On the positive side, here’s your list of incredible Aussie artists added to the 2025 lineup.
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
A word from our Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM
First and foremost, I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the incredible outpouring of support following the announcement of our final festival. It’s been truly humbling to see how much Bluesfest means to so many of you. While the future remains uncertain, I am encouraged by the petition (details below) that’s been raised to keep the festival going by our state member of parliament. There’s real hope that with your continued support, and the backing of our community, we might just keep the Bluesfest legacy alive for generations to come.
Now, let’s talk about the excitement that’s building with this All-Australian announcement. While this lineup focuses on our homegrown talent, it’s still a strong Blues and Roots announcement, staying true to the heart of what Bluesfest has always been about. I can’t begin to tell you how many incredible artists have reached out, wanting to be part of our final festival. Scores of amazing talents from across the country have thrown their hats in the ring. It’s a testament to how special this festival is to the Australian music community. As much as I would love to include everyone, there are only so many spots we can fit into one lineup.
That said, I’m thrilled to welcome back some of our all-time favourites. You can’t say no to artists who have helped shape this festival over the years, including Hilltop Hoods returning after a 20 year gap and how can we be doing a best of Bluesfest without Xavier Rudd, John Butler, The Cat Empire and the incredible Kasey Chambers, alongside some rising Australian stars who represent the future of our music scene. This mix of legendary performers and up-and-coming talent is what makes this announcement so special and uniquely ours.
And for those of you eagerly waiting for the international artists, hang tight – we’ve got another announcement coming soon with some big-name international headliners and even more incredible acts. There’s so much more to come as we continue building Bluesfest into the unforgettable celebration it deserves to be.
Stay tuned, and thank you for your unwavering support.
Warmest regards,
Peter Noble OAM Director, Bluesfest
MORE ABOUT BLUESFEST 2025
With 60% of entry tickets already sold, camping tickets at 92% sold and large camping vehicle allocation SOLD OUT. The excitement for Bluesfest 2025 continues to build. As we prepare for this grand finale, tickets are moving fast, and we encourage all fans to secure their spot at this historic event before it’s too late. Don’t forget our onsite accommodation went on sale last week, with Glamping and Tent Motels selling fast and Rainbow Tipis currently available.
Call to Action: Sign the Petition to Save Bluesfest
While the economic impact of Bluesfest is undeniable, the festival is still facing closure after its final event in 2025. However, there is hope. Local State MP for Ballina (which includes Byron Bay) Tamara Smith has launched an E-petition calling on the NSW Government to provide a rescue package for Bluesfest. If we reach 20,000 signatures, Parliament will be required to hold a debate on the future of Bluesfest. Currently at around 6,000 signatures in just 3 weeks.
Why is Bluesfest Important?
• Cultural Significance: Bluesfest has been a cornerstone of the state’s cultural landscape, bringing world-class music to Byron Bay and fostering a vibrant community of artists and music lovers.
• Economic Impact: Over the last decade.
– Bluesfest generate $775 million for Byron Shire from festival goers spending in the community on accommodation, restaurants, etc.
– Plus over $1.1 billion in inbound tourism for NSW (people travelling from outside NSW or internationally)
– Supporting 7,182 fulltime jobs in the Northern Rivers and employing 25,000 music industry workers employed onsite at the festival.
• Community Spirit: Bluesfest is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of the arts, a driver of regional tourism, and a vital part of the local economy. We are the pride of our community for over 35 years.
Tamara Smith MP has made a powerful call to action, urging both the NSW and Federal Governments to step in and save Bluesfest. “Bluesfest is not just a festival; it’s a crucial part of our community, our economy, and our cultural identity,” she said.
How Can People Help?
We need your support to ensure that this message reaches the halls of Parliament. Here’s how you can help:
1. Sign the E-petition: Your signature can make a difference. Let the NSW Government know that Bluesfest matters to you and our community. You must be a NSW resident to sign.
If we reach 20,000 signatures, Parliament will be required to hold a debate on this critical issue.
• SIGN PETITION HERE: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/la/pages/epetition-details.aspx?q=R3_KU5w90AcnCkWT1-E0_A&ref=bluesfest-cm
a. Share the Petition: Spread the word through your network. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to sign the petition and help us save Bluesfest.
b. Share on Social Media: Use the hashtag #SaveBluesfest to show your support.
2. Raise Awareness: Talk about the importance of Bluesfest in your community. The more people know, the stronger our collective voice will be.
“We cannot afford to lose Bluesfest. It is imperative that we take collective action to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy,” added Tamara Smith MP.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make a difference and secure the future of Bluesfest.
The final Bluesfest will be a four-day event, offering a power-packed experience that will close the curtain on this legendary institution. 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