Dead At 36 : Why Bluesfest Couldn't Continue (What We Know So Far)

Episode 15 of On The Record is the sound of a long-running Australian institution going quiet — followed by the louder, messier noise of what happens when a festival doesn’t just “take a break”, but goes into liquidation.

Brian Wise and Michael Mackenzie devote the bulk of the episode to the sudden demise of Bluesfest after 36 years, and they do it with a guest who knows the event from the inside: Sarah Ndiaye, now Mayor of Byron Shire, formerly the “head honcho” of the Bluesfest photo tent — the social headquarters where media, and photographers regrouped each Easter.

Important Links

Bluesfest Reportage

Variety: Calls Mounting for a Class Action Against Bluesfest After 2026 Event Cancelled By Neil Griffiths 

ABC News: Confusion and anger as Bluesfest ticketholders question timing of cancellation By Julia André 

Byron Shire Echo: Bluesfest ancillary event in Bruns cancelled By Hans Lovejoy 

AFR: Refund complication as Bluesfest collapses owing $5.7m by Michael Bailey Arts & Culture editor 

Opinion If the Bluesfest era has ended, I’ve lost something more precious than money by David Free 

Pharaoh Sanders The Creator Has A Master Plan 

Ben Harper - With My Own Two Hands (Official Music Video)