Earlier today, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard signed a public health order, effectively forcing the cancellation of Bluesfest, which was set to take place this Easter long weekend. The health order came as the new Queensland Coronavirus cluster has trickled its way down to Byron Bay, where the festival was due to take place.
This is the second year in a row Bluesfest has been forced to cancel due to Covid-19.
The festival has addressed the cancellation in a statement sent via email, but have reassured ticketholders that they are doing what they can to reschedule the festival.
“We are heartbroken that COVID-19 has spread into our local community,” they said in the statement.
“We are getting the message out as quickly as possible so that those traveling to the event can make alternate arrangements”
The festival was due to be the first major festival to take place in Australia since early 2020. Read more of the statement below.
“The Bluesfest team has worked day and night for a year to achieve the approved COVID-19 Safety Plan – the first of its kind in the music industry and have been told by the NSW Health that it exceeded other major sporting events in its depth and ability to protect the public.”
Peter Noble, Bluesfest Director said “This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to make. We really wanted to be at the forefront of the return of live music at Pre-COVID-19 level.
“We feel deeply for everybody affected, the fans, the artists, and the hard-working Bluesfest team. But in the end, the health of our community must come first.
“We will be having discussions regarding Bluesfest postponement and will update everybody soon. However, this weekend we will be packing down the event that was cancelled within 24 hours of gates due to open. Please do not come to the festival site.
“To all ticket buyers and music fans, we are hoping that you will support the festival and hold tickets to the rescheduled event. All patrons will be contacted by Moshtix directly once we have an update on how to proceed.”
