BYRON BAY, NSW (CelebrityAccess) — While the Byron Bay Bluesfest for 2020 was canceled due to COVID-19, festival director Peter Noble OAM issued an optimistic statement that he is committed to bringing the festival back to life in 2021.
In the statement released on Thursday, Noble wrote:
“We will find a way to continue and present in 2021. 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 humbled by the incredible response we have received by the outpouring of love from our ticket-holders, music industry and importantly from our local community.
He also detailed his discussions with his colleagues in the industry and lauded the outpouring of good will from artists and their representatives.
“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 off this year’s 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.
“2021 will be the year for everyone who cares about the arts, music and the entire entertainment industry that we all love, to come out and show their support for each other. We call on our industry, the musicians, the agents and the managers to get in touch with us and help us show the solidarity of strength that we have as a combined force. We are all in this together, and together we will go on and get through these troubled times. Since the ban was announced last Sunday we have gone from having a deep case of the blues to presenting the blues for you again in 2021. This much we know.”
In conclusion, he provided an update on ticket refunds, noting that discussions are proceeding with the festival’s insurance company.
“Time is a healer and one day this will be behind us. It has not been easy and we are still in what is a lengthy process working out the details. Representatives from our insurance companies have advised that our claim is being processed and ticket refunds or the option to roll over to Bluesfest 2021 will be available soon. We will constantly keep our patrons updated in this area and thank them all again for the patience they have shown.
“In the meantime, we wish you all good health and to remain strong and positive in these very trying times. See you at Bluesfest.”
The festival, which was founded in 1990, annually brings more than 100,000 fans to Byron Bay on Easter Weekend. The 2020 edition of the event would have featured headliners that included Dave Mattews, the newly-reunited Crowded House, Alanis Morissette, and Lenny Kravitz.
