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Bluesfest Announces Continued Legacy with 2026 Festival
Just as the sun set on what was anticipated to be the final day of Bluesfest, a momentous announcement confirmed that this cherished event would continue to thrive.
Over its impressive 36-year history, Bluesfest has established itself as a cornerstone of the Australian music festival scene. Iconic artists such as Bob Dylan, BB King, Paul Simon, John Mayer, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar have graced its stages, alongside local legends Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, and Tash Sultana. The festival not only showcases established acts but also provides a vital platform for emerging talent.
This year’s festival, held from April 17-20, was initially slated to be the last. In a poignant message to festival supporters, director Peter Noble expressed the emotional toll of such a decision, reflecting on his 50 years in the music industry.
“To my Dear Bluesfest Family… this has been a labour of love, a celebration of music and community,” Noble stated in a previous announcement. He had indicated that the 2025 festival would be the final chapter for Bluesfest, citing a heartfelt need to conclude the event.
However, in a surprising turn of events last December, Noble revealed that the announcement was partly a strategic move to rekindle support from the New South Wales government, with plans to secure acts for a 2026 festival already in motion.
The official confirmation that Bluesfest would continue was made on April 20, with the festival now scheduled for Easter weekend in 2026, from April 2-5. Fans were encouraged to buy “pre-early bird tickets,” which would be available until the end of the festival.
“Please support our festival… by the simple act of buying your ticket at the best possible price at the festival today,” the organizers urged through social media, highlighting the importance of ticket sales for the festival’s future.
The announcement coincided with a significant political move, as Noble joined Senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Mandy Nolan at the festival’s grounds for the Australian Greens launch of their Festivals Support Package.
The Greens’ initiative aims to bolster Australian festivals, proposing an annual allocation of $20 million AUD for festival grants, along with funds for a thorough review of insurance challenges that impact the live music sector and a comprehensive national festival strategy.
“Our festivals are in crisis,” stated Hanson-Young. “The recent wave of cancellations for beloved events underscores the need for government intervention to support the industry.”
Bluesfest organizers echoed her sentiments, noting the urgency of addressing rising costs, insurance issues, and other challenges facing festivals across Australia.
The 2025 iteration of Bluesfest featured an impressive lineup, including Crowded House, Chaka Khan, and Toto. While the lineup for 2026 has yet to be disclosed, it is expected to be announced around August or September, consistent with the festival’s tradition of unveiling its initial artist roster.
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www.billboard.com