Bluesfest, the iconic music festival held in Byron Bay, will conclude its 35-year run with the 2025 event, as announced by festival director Peter Noble.

Noble encouraged fans to attend the final festival, promising an unforgettable experience, and tickets for the 2025 event are currently on sale.

The festival, which has been a staple in the Byron Bay area since 1990, has hosted major artists like Bob Dylan and Kendrick Lamar over the years.

Soaring costs associated with live music festivals, including travel and insurance, coupled with the cost of living crisis, have made it increasingly challenging to operate these events.

The live music industry is grappling with structural challenges such as rising insurance costs, extreme weather uncertainty, and changing audience preferences.

A survey indicated a significant decline in attendance among younger festival-goers, with participation from those aged 18-24 dropping sharply in recent years.

The decision to end Bluesfest follows a troubling trend in the Australian festival scene, marked by the recent cancellations of other major events like Splendour in the Grass.

Noble expressed sadness over the closure, emphasizing the festival's role as a celebration of music and community for over five decades.

The closure of Bluesfest is expected to impact local businesses in Byron Bay that rely on festival patrons for income.

Rising operational costs, including inflation and increased fees from booking agents, have added financial pressure on the festival, leading to its reduction to four days for the final event.

In response to the challenges facing the festival industry, a federal parliamentary inquiry has been conducted, and the newly established Music Australia has reported on the state of the sector.

The Victorian government is investing $20 million in the Always Live program to support the live music and festivals sector, highlighting the ongoing efforts to revitalize the industry.