A NEW petition hopes to secure a NSW Government rescue package for Bluesfest Byron Bay, as the festival faces potential closure after its 2025 event.<\/p>\n
Ballina MP Tamara Smith launched the e-petition, which requires 20,000 signatures to trigger a mandatory debate in the NSW Parliament.<\/p>\n
“Today I called on the state and federal governments to rescue this cherished event, not only because it’s an amazing five days but because it’s a massive economic driver for our region and state,” Ms Smith said.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been to pretty much every Bluesfest, from when it was on at Belongil, to Red Devil Park, to Tyagarah.”<\/p>\n
“I was even a semi-finalist in the busking competition back in 2014 before I got elected as the Ballina MP.”<\/p>\n
Bluesfest has been a major cultural and economic force in New South Wales, generating $775 million for Byron Shire and over $1 billion for the state in the past decade.<\/p>\n
The festival has supported more than 20,000 jobs and is renowned for driving significant regional tourism and supporting local business.<\/p>\n
Last week, it was announced that a lineup including Crowded House, Vance Joy, Ocean Alley, and Tones and I will be playing at the farewell event, with many more artists already confirmed and additional acts to be revealed in the coming months.<\/p>\n
The festival, which has been a fixture in Byron Bay since its inception, is cherished for bringing world-class music to the region and fostering a vibrant community of artists and music lovers.<\/p>\n
Supporters are encouraged to sign the e-petition and share it within their networks.<\/p>\n
To support the cause, visit the NSW Parliament website and search for “Bluesfest petition.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW petition hopes to secure a NSW Government rescue package for Bluesfest Byron Bay, as the festival faces potential closure after its 2025 event. Ballina MP Tamara Smith launched the e-petition, which requires 20,000 signatures to trigger a mandatory debate in the NSW Parliament. “Today I called on the state and federal governments to […]<\/p>\n