AUSSIE BLUESFEST SINGIN' THE BLUES

Australia’s Byron Bay Bluesfest, one of the country’s largest music festivals, was canceled one day before it was scheduled to start by public health order due to a new case of COVID-19.

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has signed a public health order cancelling the event, which was due to run 4/1-4/5 with an all-Australian lineup.

The festival was expected to function at about 50% capacity and production over its five days, with three performance stages and camping. It usually books top American and international talent but after 2020’s cancellation and this year’s quarantine decided to go with homegrown fare, including Tash Sultana, Jimmy Barnes and Ocean Alley, among many others.

“We are heartbroken that COVID-19 has spread into our local community,” reads a statement from Bluesfest promoter Peter Noble. “We're getting the message out as quickly as possible so those traveling to the event can make alternate arrangements.”