Bluesfest Wins Tourism Gong

Australia’s famous Bluesfest in Byron Bay took the gold award in the major festivals and events category at the NSW Tourism Awards Nov. 17 in Sydney.

Of the 124,000 who attended over six days during this year’s Easter break, 54 percent were interstate and 1.5 percent came from outside Australia.

The festival’s estimated contribution to the Byron area’s economy was $26.2 million and created 317.6 full-time jobs.

It pumped $32.7 million into the Northern Rivers region and 427 extra jobs, and $46.7 million to the Australian economy and an extra 562 full-time employment positions.

Bluesfest recently announced Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Specials, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt and The Combo, Donovan, Angelique Kidjo, Seasick Steve, Keb Mo, Nick Lowe, Seth Lakeman, Harry Manx and the Fabulous Thunderbirds in its second round of acts.