Bluesfest have taken to social media to offer ticketholders an update in regards to refunds for their 2020 event, while hinting towards their lineup announce plans for the next edition of the festival.
Bluesfest made the difficult decision to cancel their 2020 event back in March, just days after noting they would go ahead as planned unless the then-current situation surrounding COVID-19 changed.
Unfortunately, Prime Minister Scott Morrison soon announced a number of restrictions prohibiting social gatherings in excess of 100 people, ultimately forcing organisers to cancel the festival for the first time in its history.
“It is obvious we will not be on this Easter,” Bluesfest Executive Chairman Peter Noble OAM wrote on Facebook at the time. “We are heartbroken as we believe we were presenting one of the best ever bills of talent for you.
“I was in discussions right through last week with every headliner – they ALL said they’re coming as long as nothing occurred to prevent them from doing so. That is the level of commitment that our artists have, and I am proud of that.
“I must now thank every one of you for supporting us. The emails and posts are deeply appreciated at this time,” Noble added. “We are now working through how to move forward and to give you details. I thank you for allowing us enough time to get everything in place for the best possible outcome for everyone.”
In a statement made soon after the fact, Noble explained that the festival was aiming to put their recent cancellation behind them, instead looking ahead to delivering another exceptional event in 20201.
“We will find a way to continue and present in 2021,” Noble wrote. “I am a veteran; having been in this incredible industry since the 60s I have never experienced such a dire situation.
“As a premier event we need to present another Bluesfest not only for ourselves but also for the entire entertainment industry to see that there will be a brighter day and that as an industry we will come back from this.
“We are in discussions with all the agents representing the artists who were due to play this Easter on what has been our greatest bill ever. Whilst we currently don’t know ‘who’ all our headliners will be in 2021 we have received feedback from over 30 artists on this years bill confirming they are ready to reschedule for 2021.
“Their level of support and goodwill is inspiring and I foresee a great event to come.”‘
Now in a new statement shared on Facebook, Bluesfest has offered an update into next year’s event, revealing that their lineup announcement is “weeks away”, and will feature a total of 50 artists.
“For the first time in the history of Bluesfest we intend to simultaneously release a first announcement of 50 artists confirmed to appear at Bluesfest 2021 on April 1st-5th,” the statement reads.
“We hope this helps you plan for next Easter. We are truly grateful for your ongoing patience and support. Our announcement is only a matter of weeks away, and will occur at the same time as the refund process.
As the statement continued, it also addressed the concerns of prospective 2020 attendees who have enquired regarding the status of refunds from the cancelled event.
“Our insurers Lloyds of London have advised our claim for cancellation is moving forward and we can expect to give you, our valued patrons, a timeframe regarding the refund in a matter of weeks,” the statement added.
“We understand many of you are doing it tough, so please be assured we will begin the process just as soon as we receive the funds. We are advised we are the only festival in Australia that had ‘pandemic’ cover, thankfully.
“In these times, we do need to advise, that Bluesfest was cancelled by Government order three weeks prior to the event. Since that time we have had no income, and won’t until we launch Bluesfest 2021. We appreciate your understanding and patience.”
The 2021 edition of Bluesfest is scheduled to take place across the 2021 Easter long weekend, running from April 1st to April 5th. Head to the Bluesfest website for further updates as they arrive.
Bluesfest 2021
Lineup to be announced soon.
Thursday, April 1st – Monday, April 5th, 201
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay, NSW
