It is a dark day for the future of music festivals with one of Australia’s biggest, the Byron Bay Bluesfest, having been cancelled.
The announcement came just weeks before the world renowned event was to be held from April 2-5.
The 2026 line-up was brimming with high profile acts, including The Pogues, The Living End, The Black Crowes, Spilt Enz and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Festival organisers cited rising production, logistics, insurance and touring costs, as well as soft ticket sales, as the reasons behind the cancellation.
A liquidator has been appointed to manage financial matters, with ticket holders to be contacted directly about potential refund arrangements.
(Photo: Bluesfest Byron Bay).
