Byron Bay Bluesfest 2020 has been cancelled
Subscribe
X

Subscribe to Forte Magazine

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2020 has been cancelled

News just in, this year’s Bluesfest has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns following the recent government ban of large gatherings of more than 500 people, along with requiring 14 days of self-isolation for everyone entering Australia.

The annual festival, which was to feature the likes of Patti Smith, Dave Matthews Band, Crowded House, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire, Eagles of Death Metal and Lenny Kravitz, was scheduled to run from Thursday, 9th April through to Tuesday, 14th April this year.

“It is obvious we will not be on this Easter. We are heartbroken as we believe we were presenting one of the best ever bills of talent for you. I was in discussions right through last week with every headliner – they ALL said they’re coming as long as nothing occurred to prevent them from doing so,” commented Executive Chairman Peter Noble in a statement on the festival’s Facebook page today.

“That is the level of commitment that our artists have, and I am proud of that. I must now thank every one of you for supporting us. The emails and posts are deeply appreciated at this time. We are now working through how to move forward and to give you details. I thank you for allowing us enough time to get everything in place for the best possible outcome for everyone.”

We’re not certain what this means for Bluesfest Touring sideshows at this point in time, but stay tuned for further information.

Photo by Joseph Mayers