Mullumbimby Roots Festival

Organisers of the Mullum Roots Festival have revealed the artists who will take to the stage for the inaugural event in July 2025.

The Waifs, Shane Howard, Dog Trumpet, Robert Forster, David Bridie, Claire Anne Taylor, and Jeff Lang are among the first wave of artists announced for the festival, which event founder Lou Bradley said would be all about the music.

Bradley is not new to the festival scene – the musician has staged the Nimbin Roots Festival for nine years.

“The experience we’ve gained with Nimbin Roots has taught us how to craft an unforgettable festival, and Mullum Roots will also deliver a world-class event while staying true to our deep sense of community,” Bradley said.

The concept of a sister event in Mullumbimby came during a visit to her former hometown last year.

“We raised our family in the hills for 15 years. I stopped and thought ‘You know, this town feels ready for another music festival’,” Bradley said.

The end of the Mullumbimby Music Festival in 2020 was a loss to a community that had a rich musical tradition, which Bradley wanted to revive.

“It’s about bringing in quality music, bringing people in. It won’t be a big extravaganza.

“Good quality music is what it’s all about.

“It’s not genre-specific. It’s about authenticity and roots music. We want to have a reputation for having good quality music.”

That extends to inviting up-and-coming artists to apply to play at the festival.

Bradley said it was hard for artists to get a start and they wanted to support talented musicians. Artists can apply online at mullumrootsfest.com

The event aims to attract 1,000 people to venues around Mullumbimby.

As some of the venues have the capacity for only 350 people, acts such has The Waifs will perform twice.

Bradley said to watch out for further lineup announcements that will feature a variety of musicians, including local acts.

World-famous artist, Reg Mombasa, who is also a band member of the iconic band Dog Trumpet, played at this year’s Nimbin Roots Festival and has created the artwork for that event and the 2025 Mullum Roots Festival.

It is a boutique festival, so tickets will be limited.

To book tickets, head to trybooking.com/events/landing/1263552