Bluesfest demise 'like a loved one dying' as Byron Bay counts the cost of loss
www.abc.net.au
After 35 years, one of Australia's most iconic music festivals will hold its "final curtain call". Musicians and community members are devastated by the news.
  • In short: Musicians, industry experts and local businesses are dismayed by the decision to end Byron’s Bluesfest next year.
  • There are calls for the government to provide a financial lifeline to the multi-day music festival. What’s next?
  • The final edition of Bluesfest will be held at Byron Bay from April 17-20, 2025.
  • 𝚝𝚛𝚔English
    5·
    3 months ago

    What are the main costs on events like this? It seems they’re expensive to get in to, expensive to buy anything at, yet the artists get paid poorly and the events keep going broke…

    Where’s all the money going?

    • MuffinHeeler
      4·
      2 months ago

      Probably insurance, permit fees and marketing at a wild guess.

      • 𝚝𝚛𝚔English
        3·
        3 months ago

        I reckon there’s an opening for councils to provide insurance for big events like this at a more reasonable cost.

        Or even free, assuming certain criteria are met.

        If there’s that much money to be injected in to the local community, councils stepping up to make it viable is still going to be a huge net financial positive.

        Also if a festival is spending less (nothing?) on insurance and permits, they can spend more on extending the event or having more performers. Or cheaper entry prices.

    • hitmyspot
      1·
      3 months ago

      Yes, thwy all seem to have huge costs but end up being poorly run and staff and performers paid a pittance. Its a pity that it can’t be more casual, where entry is at your risk and people are just sensible. However, that’s no longer the world we live in. Careless dicjheads ruin it for everyone.