Byron Bay's popular Bluesfest has been cancelled less than 24 hours before its scheduled start due to coronavirus concerns.
Byron Bay's popular Bluesfest has been cancelled less than 24 hours before its scheduled start due to coronavirus concerns. Bluesfest was set to be Australia's largest multi-day music festival in more than a year and musicians Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana and Kasey Chambers had been lined up as performers. Jimmy Barnes has since shared his disappointment but understanding of the situation on Instagram.
“While this is such huge blow for Aussie music - not just the artists, but all the roadies, stage crew, volunteers, the punters, and everyone in between we have to remember that the health and well-being of this country has to come first,” he said. Approximately 15,000 patrons were expected to attend which is half the festival's usual capacity and some had already arrived on site to set up camping equipment for the event.