Bluesfest becomes all-Australian event in 2021 due to ongoing international border restrictions
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26.11.2020

Bluesfest becomes all-Australian event in 2021 due to ongoing international border restrictions

Marcus King
Words by Tom Williams

It will be the first all-Australian lineup in the festival’s history.

Due to Australia’s ongoing international border restrictions, Bluesfest has announced they will be hosting an all-Australian lineup in 2021. Although previously-announced international acts such as Patti Smith and Her Band, Bon Iver, George Benson and Kool & The Gang, will no longer perform, the stacked roster still boasts an incredibly strong local bill set to provide something for everyone.

From Cold Chisel legends Jimmy Barnes and Ian Moss, to indie juggernauts Ocean Alley and Tash Sultana, and even pop superstar and Eurovision contestant Dami Im, the full lineup is a decadent and diverse buffet of Aussie talent.

The festival’s organisers have had their “noses to the grindstone” all year working with the NSW government to host a COVID-safe festival that would provide a beacon of hope for the deeply-wounded events industry.

After a huge artist announcement in July that featured the likes of aforementioned international artists, Bon Iver and Kool & The Gang, Bluesfest followed up with all-Australian announcements in August and September. These preparations paved the way for what is now the first ever all-Australian lineup in the festival’s 30-year history.

To conform with COVID-safe protocols, the festival has had to investigate the plausibility of a fully outdoor experience and will have a limited capacity, with which almost 70% of the tickets have already been sold.

Bluesfest is happening from April 1-5, 2021 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm. For tickets and the full lineup, visit the Bluesfest website

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