Bluesfest has cancelled their 2020 event. They made an announcement on Facebook this morning.
‘To everyone involved with Bluesfest,
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. 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.’
Peter Noble OAM, Executive Chairman
Bluesfest Group of Companies
Bluesfest made a statement on Sunday morning
‘Promoters and Producers through Live Performance Australia, the Live Entertainment Industry Group, have been in constant communication with both State and Federal government since Prime Minister Morrison stated Friday afternoon, his “advice”, that all non-essential sporting and entertainment events with audiences above 500 should cancel.
We have stated in the strongest manner that “advice” was NOT a direction, and we needed the certainty by directive, followed by legislation, as soon as possible, so our entire industry could move forward to act in a responsible manner toward ALL interested parties, the public, ticket buyers, the artists, Bluesfest employees, and all suppliers and contractors.
The government has now made a definitive statement, and have banned events, and require 14 days of self-isolation for everyone entering Australia. This is a matter that will greatly affect both our future at Bluesfest, as well as the entire Entertainment Industry’.
Sad for everyone involved we were so looking forward to this Easter and The Bluesfest but life is full of challenges and this is one of them.
What about flights rooms preparing time off from work lost thousands dollars hopefully we can get our money back takes me to a year to save up ?????
Sh#t happens. I am hoping my ticket is renewable for next year. Sorry to hear this but I expect next year may even be better.
That decision will save lives. Thank you.
do not believe a single word the government is saying in this matter. this is not about a virus, its about providing an excuse for the impending crash of the financial system and ushering a world wide police state. Welcome to the new world order.
Gosh there are some remarkably complex and well organised conspiracies being accomplished these days. I wouldn’t have believed it was possible to carry out such amazing feats but there you go.
I’m so bummed that I won’t get to see the fabulous Steve’n’ Seagulls and the ever bodacious Round Mountain Girls….
This was going to be our first Bluesfest in 18 years. We would obviously love to see it happen but it is what it is. We will still do the road trip from SA. Looking forward to spending some time and some money in the community.
I am heartbroken that the blues festival is cancelled I hope I get my money back but it won’t stop me and my partner for visiting byron Bay it wil be my first time at byron Bay and it would of been my first blues festival
Bugger, bugger, bugger. Was so looking forward to 9th Bluesfest on the trot, such a great artist list too, but them’s the breaks. Hopefully the tickets purchased for 2020 can be credited for 2021. Accommodation and flight refunds will be difficult to obtain, if not impossible. so I’m still hoping to visit the area.
Very sad but no option.
And such a great lineup this year. We can only hope it is back next year and for those of us that have bluesfest as an essential – we will be back supporting this great event!
Max Igan…….I think you are right…….If lives mattered, the world leaders would pull together to save starving Syrian child refugees
Scott morrison has made the whole virus thing up to stay in power
Sounds sad but dont want to give the virus to others and if our health system won’t cope. Don’t want to stress out the health professionals. Always gratitude to them. Keep Safe music lovers. Sunshine and Happiness. Feeling bit sad and cash stung but no sense of entitlement.
Really max igan which beach have you been sleeping at?
Totally disrespectful to loved ones that have deceased from the virus & you state we should not listen to the government. Tomorrow I have to ask staff to take leave or redundancies – “welcome to the real world”
Ask their families tomorrow if they agree with you.
Liz… I agree with you hon.. however…
it’s a shared reality. No one’s a victim here.
We need to change the way we see this & look at it from another perspective. Choose the planet you want to live on. In every moment.
I feel sad & compassionate for the energy & effort everyone at Blues Fest have given to create this, to have it cancelled with so much involved in the organisation would be overwhelming. Given a lot to the community & the community have given a lot too. It’s a responsible decision. Thank you!
It’s a time for change despite the way it is occurring. Flow with it.. anarchy is only relevant when it creates change. In a sense, it gives every single person the opportunity to find out what they’re really made of. What useful, what serves, what doesn’t. Time for re evaluation. The change in these situations are personal for everyone.. be your own hero!
Despite the scenario, the situation is as it is. The potential for long & enduring issue in our small community as a result was incredibly high. We need to be grateful!
Personally, I am loving the quiet time. We don’t get much of a break here in our lovely haven.
Let go & let love
4.5 billion starseeds on planet earth at the moment.. just think about that.. if you want a rebellion.. this is the time.. create the planet you want to live on through love. Choose in every moment.
If 1 person can change the world just imagine what 4.5 billion loving souls can do with focus & love. Unindocrinated free beings with loving intent.. inside out.
I saw a jogger today along the road past New Brighton running with a peace flag, pole stuck down the back of his bright green tighties. Brilliant grin.. be the change! Bring yourself!
It’s the party of a lifetime… it’s a great reminder, hey? What an opportunity!!!
That’s the answer to the conspiracy!
Love is the answer..
Peter Noble… here’s a little lovely fun thought… loads of ‘die hards’..
Ask the artists that were going to perform to contribute their fav songs.. make multiple double or single cds.. some fab murch. A special ‘celebratory’ I love blues fest & give the cancelled festival relevance.
Blues Fest in The Bathroom!
Stevie Wonder style.., J.Hooker Style… something crazy fun! Online.. have a series of on-line gigs over the weekend..responsibly.. at home… painted bodies crazy wear!!! Responsibly.. no touching now!!! Haaaa!
Be sensible! Be safe & be CRAZY Good! Think as though the box doesn’t exist & create something fantastic!
Or… have the weekend off.. I mean.. you haven’t had the Easter Weekend off for what… 30 years or so.. give or take..
I lived in a tiny town in QLD for 7 years with nothing to do… grew up in Sydney.. it wasn’t till I went there to live, with nothing to do. Did I find out who I was.. Bongos & Jembe.. to anything with a beat. The drunken bucket & spoon playing blokes next door, at 4 in the morning, 4 living in a 2 bedroom duplex..how? 1 was living in the 1.2x 2.5mt storage storage cupboard with no windows, concrete floor & a slider. I used mine for a dark room.. got the idea. The only way I could cope.. they were really, really bad, I went out one night & said fellas.. you sound like s.h.i.t.. will ya’ teach me to play the spoons & I show you how to play the buckets.. win win..
One weekend one of my friends played a very expensive tambourine my father bought for me when I was at school, that I just couldn’t understand. so was like brand new, for 13 hours till it fell to pieces in her hand. Sa la vie!
just a thought!
Spewing but understand. I was so excited to go to my first & glamatenting. You had some of my favorite artist playing. Be certain I’ll be there in ’21 with bells on.
Good no blues music there anyway
Just to clarify, its honesty I seek at this point, not a refund.
How very conservatively archaic of the Echo to remove my comment where I dare question the motives of the “Legendary Peter Noble”.
It staggers that you are ok to print ludicrous apocolyptic conspiracy theories and rambling hallucinogenic influenced nonsencial claptrap, yet too “cautious” or is it “influenced” to dare cast aspirtions on the great man himself.
You might as well shut up shop and sign the place over to Rupert.
Anthony Donnellan.
Hi all, I thank Mr Noble for his email advice re the cancellation but there is no mention of refunding people their ticket costs. Mr Noble please advise the ticket purchasers that we are going to receive a 100% refund & when that will happen. I am waiting to be asked my bank details. for this purpose.
Eric
Joe,, there hasn’t been for few years now. It’s just turned into another fest and lost what it was once great.. Don’t miss going any more
Ginga, Possum Pie, thanks for all the no doubt sage advice. Unfortunately I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about ?♀️
Eric, I made a comment relating to the cryptic message Noble put out yesterday but it was censored by tbe Echo.
For any South Oz Bluesfesters thinking of still road tripping up to Byron (see comment No 7. Dave) to ‘spend money in their community’, think again. At the moment NSW has the highest infection rate and SA has nearly the lowest in SA. Becoming infected and then bringing the virus back here won’t be helping anyone. Everyone in the country should be minimising their movement as much as possible to restrict the spread. Doesn’t anyone listen to the news to see what other countries have been and read the OZ health websites? Citizens of Australia, please act responsibly to rid us of this scourge. And the brain dead out there with the conspiracy theories and ‘Scomo created this just to stay in power’, give it up, you’re putting your lack of intelligence out there for all & sundry to witness. Anyone not take this pandemic seriously is a jerk and a traitor to their country and fellow Australians.