Four local legends have for the past ten years, and counting, created a space for the Northern Rivers community to come together for the purpose of fun and the aim of supporting good causes.

Forget the blues, Byron local hospitality and event managers have put in extraordinary efforts this Easter long weekend to celebrate music and other performing arts across the shire.

In a last minute scramble to get shows in the region, Brandin Farrant, father of music prodigy Taj Farrant, says that the cancellation of Bluesfest has been rough on a lot of levels.

After all the recent race to the bottom politics from the 'professionals', the life of Rob Hirst stands as an inspiring example of meaningful activism from outside the official tent. Sadly, that life has now been cut short, three years since his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

The streets of Byron Bay will explode to life over New Years Eve, with world-class roving street performers, community acts and family friendly entertainment headlined by much-loved Australian performers.

Byron Shire will welcome the new year with a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community as Sensory Blender – Rhythms of Resolution takes over the North Byron Hotel on New Year’s Day.

Local film makers Andy Bambach and Suzanne Whiteman have created a new film about the SAMBHAV disability arts festival, which happens in New Delhi each year, and celebrates artists from across the world, including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand and Russia.

‘Legendary reunions and long-awaited debuts’ is how Bluesfest Director Peter Noble has described the lineup for next year’s Byron Shire event.

Community festivals, street fairs and similar events are to be allowed without development applications on all public land in NSW as part of a suite of state government-announced planning changes.

The Eltham Hotel is included in a list of 39 venues announced for funding as part of $5.1 million dollars in state government grants.