Byron Bay Bluesfest, famous music festival, cancelled and placed in liquidation weeks before start due to multiple reasons; will ticket-holders get a refund? All you need to know

Byron Bay Bluesfest, the renowned music festival held in Byron Bay, has been cancelled weeks before it was due to take place, and a liquidator has been appointed to manage all financial matters. The cancellation of the event was confirmed by organisers in a statement on social media, stating multiple reasons, including rising production, logistics, insurance and touring costs, among others.

Seeking an apology for the “incredibly difficult decision", organisers said, “After 36 years as Australia’s most awarded festival, we are deeply sorry to share that Bluesfest will not proceed in 2026. This is an incredibly difficult decision, and we are so proud of everything Bluesfest has achieved: the music, the artists, the busking competition, our dedicated staff and volunteers, and the community that has grown around the festival over the past three decades.”

In the statement, also shared on Facebook by Byron Bay, organisers cited multiple reasons behind the closure and liquidation decision. “Rising production, logistics, insurance and touring costs, combined with a challenging environment for major live events, mean it is no longer possible to deliver the festival to the standard our audiences, artists and partners expect,” the statement read.

Will ticket holders get refunds?

The organisers also clarified that following the decision to call off the music festival, a liquidator has been appointed to manage all financial matters. Ticket holders, including parking pass customers and campers, will be contacted directly with information about the claims process and any potential refund arrangements.

“To our fans, artists, partners and the Byron Bay community, thank you for 36 unforgettable years. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the Bluesfest journey,” organisers said in the statement.