In a positive step for Australia's music festival industry, Bluesfest have put on sale (for one week only) early bird tickets to their 2021 event.
After the 2020 Bluesfest was cancelled only days prior to its running due to COVID-19, it's a bold move considering the country is still in a fetal position as it emerges from government-enforced restrictions.
"Right now the only constant is change, and we are ready for it," Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM says. "We believe in music and we are coming back for Bluesfest 2021, not just for us, but because the industry needs us to come back.
"Our industry, the music business has its back against the wall. COVID has shut us down. Since the middle of March, almost everyone in our industry has received no income.
"As the Festival Director of Bluesfest and a music industry veteran I strongly feel that we must make positive steps to move forward and show the thousands of people that depend on us that there is a future coming – our industry and events will come back."
At this stage, Bluesfest will be permitted to host 7,500 people seated onsite; that figure will change as restrictions (hopefully) further ease between now and next April.
Fantastic Negrito @ Bluesfest 2019 - image © Creation Saffigna
Bluesfest have confirmed that all monies raised from early bird ticket sales will be 'securely held in a locked account' in case refunds become a necessity.
"When purchasing tickets you can feel proud that not only are you supporting Bluesfest," continues Peter, "you are supporting the greater music industry get back up on its feet and that's something to sing about."
An artist line-up is due to drop shortly; stay tuned for more details.
"If we find that the internationals can't come, we will add more Aussies," Peter declares. "If we find the internationals can come, we might add more internationals.
"What our team is dedicated to doing is everything it takes to present Bluesfest Easter 2021 in a manner where it will be our most legendary festival yet."
