As Nimbin Roots ends, Mullum festival rises with big 2026 line-up

WHILE Nimbin bids farewell to its beloved roots festival, Mullumbimby is tuning up for an even bigger celebration, with the Mullum Roots Festival set to return in 2026.

ARIA Award-winning singer Alex Lloyd is among the first performers announced for the festival, which will take place on July 11 and 12.

The artist behind the hit song Amazing will join fellow ARIA Award winners Busby Marou, the Rockhampton-based duo who took home the Blues & Roots Work of the Year at the APRA Music Awards for their single Biding My Time in 2012 and again in 2018 for Best Part of Me.

Also on the bill are Mama Kin Spender, the dynamic duo of Mama Kin and Dingo Spender, who were nominated for Best Blues and Roots Album for Golden Magnetic at the 2018 ARIA Awards.

The festival will also feature Lindy Morrison, former member of iconic indie rock band The Go-Betweens, alongside country music legend Bill Chambers — father of Nash and Kasey Chambers — and celebrated multi-instrumentalist Marcia Howard.

Rounding out the initial line-up are satirical and evocative 80s band The Fauves, rock musician Dave Graney and drummer and multi-instrumentalist Clare Moore, along with local blues favourite Jo Jo Smith.

More artists are set to be announced soon for the festival, which takes place across several venues in Mullumbimby, including a new venue debuting in 2026.

Last year’s inaugural event was a sell-out, and organisers are expecting strong demand once again following the announcement that last weekend’s Nimbin Roots Festival would be its final edition.

For more information on the event, which is sponsored by local brewery Stone & Wood, visit mullumrootsfest.com