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April 4, 2026
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Interview: Taj Farrant

Taj Farrant is an internationally-acclaimed Australian guitarist and recording artist recognised for his explosive blues-rock style, technical mastery, and commanding stage presence. Emerging as a child prodigy, Taj has evolved into one of the most exciting young guitarists of his generation, blending fiery rock intensity with deep blues soul.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 1 April 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Introducing Billi Busk Fest!

With no Bluesfest this year, the mob at the Billinudgel Hotel (The Nudge) wanted to see what they could do to make up for it – Ta Daa! The birth of the Billi Busk Fest.

Everyone’s getting the blues at The Northern

The Northern, Byron Bay have the remedy for anyone who’s got the blues – over four big days, ‘Blues at The Northern’ is delivering live music across two stages headlined by Jeff Martin (The Tea Party), Paul A. George (Tijuana Cartel), Minnie Marks, the Mason Rack Band, plus a stacked lineup from start to finish – and the absolute blues chaser is that the entire four days are free!

A momentous week for the Picture House

This week is a particularly momentous one for the Brunswick Picture House.

Good tunes at the Beachy

Easter in Byron Bay is synonymous with good tunes, and the Beachy is, as always, delivering the soundtrack to your long weekend as reliably as ever. A lineup stacked with local favourites and well-loved acts promises four days of sun-soaked sessions, late-night dance floors, and the kind of live music that keeps people coming back year after year.

A shift in the rhythm at Haven

As the usual rhythm of the Easter long weekend shifts in Byron Bay, a new energy is emerging at Haven – one that invites the unexpected. Alongside its electronic focus, this year’s program makes space for a strong showing of live bands and local acts, blending genres and scenes in a way that reflects both the global pulse of club culture and the strength of the region’s creative community.

A sweet Easter at Stone & Wood

Easter is shaping up to be sweet at Stone & Wood, with the Byron Bay Tasting Room rolling out ‘Afternoon Delight’ sessions across the long weekend.

Vivid White at Brunswick Picture House

Director/choreographer Anouska Gammon and Bangalow Theatre Company have brought Eddie Perfect's acclaimed musical to the Brunswick Picture House for an (almost) sold-out season.

Cinema: I Swear

Bold, poignant, and infused with unexpected humor, I Swear tells the extraordinary story of John Davidson, a young man whose life takes a sharp turn when he begins to experience the sudden onset of Tourette syndrome.

Spirit of the blues lives on

In the wake of the unexpected cancellation of Bluesfest 2026 just weeks before Easter, local tourism operator and charter vessel, M.V. Jasmine is stepping up to keep the music alive and support the community with a heartfelt gesture.

Mullumbimby is about to have its first Moth!

No, not the soft, brown, winged insect, but a live, themed storytelling gathering modelled on the popular New York version, founded in 1997 by poet and novelist George Dawes Green.

Mullum Roots secret headliners – Mental As Anything

Following the recent announcement of its first artist line-up, Mullum Roots Festival has officially revealed its much-anticipated secret headliner, with iconic Australian band Mental As Anything set to top the bill when the festival returns to Mullumbimby in July.

They’re Mystic-al

Holiday Mystics are a four-piece from Tasmania/London – the charming combination of female and male lead vocals land the band in the realm of  ‘a modern-day Fleetwood Mac with the indie grit of Wolf Alice’.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 25 March 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

The French Film Festival cycles through time

The Alliance Française French Film Festival continues this week with so many great films, including two screenings of Cycle of Time – a sharp, funny, and delightfully subversive leap through time. This film is the new social comedy from director Vinciane Millereau, starring Elsa Zylberstein and Didier Bourdon.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 18 March 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Something to sing about

In a world where there doesn’t seem to be much to sing about, Shire Choir is the perfect musical medicine.

A journey to Ireland

Filmmaker Darius Devas is hosting an Irish culture night, fundraising for a documentary series he’s making later this year about a journey to Ireland.

It’s Dr Baz!

Coming to Coorabell Hall on Friday is the third in a series of music and film screening evenings, presenting the acclaimed work of local musician Barry Ferrier, aka Dr Baz.

What is Byron Live?

Well, it’s simple. It’s The Tonight Show live. But it’s about us. It’s about the stories, and people that make this place we love to love, and sometimes love to hate, so special.

The goose is on the loose

Distinctly raw, energetic and genuine, Loose Goose’s fast-paced alt-rock sound has grabbed audiences by the scruff of the neck and dragged them into a world of sweaty moshes and driving guitars.

The Picture House and the Perfect musical

As we transition into autumn, the Brunswick Picture House has something very special in store for March.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 11 March 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Cinema: The Bride

From Maggie Gyllenhaal (Academy Award-nominated writer/director of The Lost Daughter) and starring Academy Award-nominee Jessie Buckley, and Academy Award-winner Christian Bale comes The Bride! A bold, iconoclastic take on one of the world’s most compelling stories.

Friends of Palestine

The Northern Rivers Friends of Palestine are inviting you to join them for Afterglow, a curated evening of live music, visual art, dance, and community.

Theatre Games

The Star Court Theatre are back for 2026’s free monthly event played by the very talented Star Court Theatre Players Troupe.

Magical Tempest

The magical world of Shakespeare comes to town when Murwillumbah Theatre Company presents The Tempest from March 13 – 29.

He’s not nutty he’s Mad

The Mad Professor (Neil Joseph Stephen Fraser) began recording ‘lovers rock’ bands and vocalists for his own label (including the debut recording by Deborahe Glasgow), and recorded his first album after moving the studio to Peckham in the UK in 1982, equipped with an eight-track setup, later expanding to 16.

ReStored at the Con

The Northern Rivers Conservatorium has continued to make music throughout the years of flood recovery, and now the community is invited to celebrate the completion of its major restoration works and the renewal of one of Lismore’s most iconic buildings.

The all-original Bourbon Street

Australian four-piece rock band Bourbon Street – all original members – formed in Byron Bay, in early 1987. The band enjoyed immediate success on the live circuit as a ‘70s-styled, high-energy cover band and soon began writing their own songs.

Comedy, films, concerts and theatre

March is gearing up to be another jam-packed month at the Brunswick Picture House, with big stand-up comedy shows, exquisite films, unforgettable concerts, and their biggest theatre co-production yet.

Good news for dog (and beer) lovers

Good news for dog lovers and beer lovers alike: Dog Adoption Day is heading back to Stone & Wood! The Byron Bay brewery is once again teaming up with Willow Tree Sanctuary for a feel-good Saturday filled with wagging tails, cold beers and plenty of pats.

March into music, movement and community

Nudge Nudge Wink Wink is back in the Shed at the Billinudgel Hotel on Saturday, bringing together quality dance music, a generous dancefloor, and a community that knows how to do a good night properly.

Cinema: Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4UzR12bBBE Little Amélie or the Character of Rain A wonderful film screening as part of the Alliance Française French Film Festival at Palace Cinemas, is Little...

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 4 March 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

Interview with Reg Mombassa from the legendary band Mental As Anything

Australia’s legendary band Mental As Anything is set to make a historic comeback for Bluesfest 2026 – the first in 25 years – as original founding members Peter O’Doherty and brother Reg Mombassa reunite, leading an exciting new lineup to perform once again under the iconic banner Mental As Anything.

Eclectic Selection for the week beginning 25 February 2026

Eclectic Selection: What’s on this week is a taste of some of the events that can be found in the Byron Shire and beyond this coming week.

French Film Festival? But, of course!

The Alliance Française French Film Festival is making its grand return from 3 March to 15 April at Palace Cinemas in Byron Bay. Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic journey featuring a spectacular selection of French films – from comedy, romance, and drama, to thrilling adventures.

Conscious Light

The divine life and revelation of Avatar Adi Da Samraj, Conscious Light is an award-winning documentary that offers an intimate look into the life and enlightened teachings of Avatar Adi Da Samraj.

The fun begins Thursday

Flickerfest and iQ inc are back for their 29th year, kicking off their three-day festival of short films at the Mullumbimby Civic Hall on Thursday from 7pm – raise a glass to 29 years of Flickerfest in the Northern Rivers at the festival’s opening night party with delicious craft beer, organic wine, organic juices, and sumptuous snacks from Yaman.

The flowers are in the (hot)house

Hothouse Flowers are an Irish rock band who combine traditional Irish music with influences from soul, gospel, and rock. Formed in 1985 in Dublin, they started as street performers. Their first album, People (1988), was the most successful debut album in Irish history, reaching No. 1 in Ireland and No. 2 in the UK.

Firearms, ammunition, drugs seized in Ewingsdale

Police say investigations are underway after firearms, ammunition and suspected illegal drugs were seized during a compliance search in Ewingsdale, near Byron Bay.

Man charged after failing to assist following a fatal crash

NSW police say a man will face court charged after allegedly failing to assist following a fatal crash in Tweed Heads South.

NSW govt update on fuel supplies

NSW Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin (Labor), says the NSW Government is closely monitoring fuel distribution, including over the Easter period, to manage any...

National Circus Festival postponed for 2026

In another blow to the festival economy of Byron Shire, Spaghetti Circus have announced that its National Circus Festival will not be held this year. Yet it's not all bad – it will be on for 2027.