As the '80s electro scene gave way to the grunge era, a fledgling blues event in Byron Bay welcomed legends like Charlie Musselwhite and Canned Heat to its modest stage. Over the next 35 years, that humble gathering transformed into Bluesfest—a globally celebrated institution. Now, in April 2025, the festival is gearing up for what could be its final act, promising its most electrifying lineup yet. Amid the excitement, a bittersweet question lingers: is this truly Bluesfest’s last bow?
WRITTEN BY LISSIE TURNER
Spread across 300 acres, Bluesfest’s sprawling stages will host over 200 performances during five unforgettable days. For locals, the festival is far more than a musical event—it’s a vivid thread in the fabric of life, weaving together creativity, connection and unforgettable memories.
This region isn’t just a backdrop to Bluesfest; it’s a creative powerhouse, with more artists per capita than nearly anywhere else in Australia. For rising star Budjerah, a proud Coodjinburra artist, making his Bluesfest debut on home turf in 2025 is a long-held dream come true. “I grew up listening to blues and soul music,” he says. “Since me and my cousins, who are my band, were little, we dreamt of being on the Bluesfest stage. It’s held on our traditional Bundjalung country, so it’s extra special to us.”
Budjerah’s connection to the festival runs deep. “For my 16th birthday, I saw Lauryn Hill perform. It was epic—she’s one of my musical heroes. That experience made me dream bigger. I spent a lot of my early days practicing and working hard, hoping one day to play at the festival. If I didn’t get this gig, it would have been a huge regret. It’s been on my list forever!”
For veteran performer Ash Grunwald, Bluesfest stands as the pinnacle of musical experiences. Preparing for his eleventh appearance, he reflects on its unique magic. “It’s the Holy Grail,” he says. “The mix of internationals with the cream of the Australian scene is unmatched. Playing to 10,000 cheering fans is an experience you’ll never forget.”
Bluesfest is more than just music—it’s a living archive of stories. Lifelong friendships have formed, careers have been ignited, and soul-stirring moments have left a lasting impact. Locals speak of marking time by the legends who’ve headlined and the serendipitous sightings of icons at local beaches or cafés. Beyond its star-studded lineup, Bluesfest is renowned for its on-stage spontaneity. “The collaborations!” exclaims Bay FM presenter Karen Eivers. “Artists calling each other up on stage— it’s electrifying, and you know how lucky you are to witness it. The joy is contagious.”
Excitement is already building for this year’s lineup, hailed as the festival’s most spectacular yet. Headliners like the legendary Crowded House, hip-hop icons Hilltop Hoods, and acclaimed singer-songwriter Vance Joy lead the charge, joining a dynamic mix of festival icons and rising stars. This blend of nostalgia and fresh talent promises an unforgettable experience. And when Hilltop Hoods take the main stage, it’s bound to be one of the most unforgettable moments in this region’s massive musical history.
For Byron Bay Mayor Sarah Ndiaye, Bluesfest’s impact extends far beyond the music. As a former volunteer and lifelong fan, she speaks passionately about its cultural and economic significance. “Bluesfest is a training ground for so many artists and creatives,” Ndiaye says. “From SAE students learning lighting to locals working in every area of the festival—it’s a platform for emerging talent and a chance to hone skills, get inspired, and make lifelong memories.”
Economically, Bluesfest has been a powerhouse, contributing over $775 million to Byron Shire and more than $1.1 billion to NSW inbound tourism. Yet, Ndiaye emphasises its deeper legacy as a cultural incubator and community builder. Although her personal highlights include unforgettable moments, like being pulled from the crowd to sing with Taj Mahal in 1994 and, more recently, Michael Franti, she says, “It’s actually the friendships with fellow volunteers that makes Bluesfest impossible to miss.”
While the excitement for 2025 is palpable, the possibility that this could be Bluesfest’s swan song adds a bittersweet edge. When COVID silenced the music scene in 2020, the festival’s absence left a void. Its triumphant return in 2022 brought a wave of collective joy. Karen Eivers vividly recalls Paul Kelly’s opening performance of “Finally Something Good,” and the emotion that followed. “There were tears from both artists and the crowd. Paul wiped his eyes and said, ‘Finally, we’re here. Finally, something good.’ The crowd roared—it was a moment of shared relief and joy.”
This year, as fans prepare to celebrate what could be Bluesfest’s final bow, there’s a shared sense of gratitude for all it has brought to the community—and a lingering hope that this isn’t truly the end. Whether Bluesfest continues beyond 2025 or not, its legacy is undeniable. It has forged lifelong friendships, launched careers, and brought the world’s best music to the Northern Rivers’ doorstep.
As the festival gears up for its biggest event yet, the energy is electric, the memories are cherished, and the community’s love for Bluesfest burns brighter than ever. When the final notes fade into the Byron Bay night, one truth will remain: Bluesfest is more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of music, community, and the creative spirit that defines Northern Rivers. Whatever the future holds, the magic of Bluesfest will echo long after the stages go dark.
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