Australasia News: Bluesfest, Woodford Folk Revived; NSW 10-Year Plan; AFIC Returns; SXSW Firms Dates; NZ: Live Nation Theater

AUSTRALIA

Bluesfest, Woodford Folk Revive

Patrons rallying around survival calls from two major long-running festivals, Bluesfest Byron Bay and Woodford Folk, made a difference as cost of living cut into their ticket sales.
Bluesfest director Peter Noble seemingly made an about-turn since his mid-year declaration that its 2025 event (April 17-20) would be the last.

This was due to crowd attendances down from 100,000 to 70,000 and the NSW government’s reluctance to fill the shortfall with short-term funding despite the festival having brought in A$1.1 billion ($699.2 million) in tourism dollars.

Noble now told IQ he’s started booking for 2026 while he continues discussions with the government. Meantime, the third artist announce for 2025 had Missy Higgins, George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Rodrigo y Gabriela.

Woodford Folk’s pre-sales were “improving” after its November call that sales were down 15% for its 37th edition, Dec. 27 to Jan 1.

The event, which has a daily 25,000 on-site, introduced features such as delayed payments, pushing day passes for camper guests, and a donations page for those who can’t attend.

New South Wales’ 10-year Music Strategy
The New South Wales government’s new 10-year Contemporary Music Strategy could see more acts take on the world.
It promises funding programs for international touring, as well as for recording, promotion and business development. It will also find ways to attract more international artists and producers to record in NSW.
Other strategies are more support for venues and festivals making valuable contributions to the music sector, more under-age venues, a minimum A$250 fee (US$158.94) for acts playing government-funded commercial events, a national elite tertiary education institution for contemporary music professionals, safety at events, and support for First Nations musicians.

Festival Conference Returning After Hiatus

After its 2024 hiatus, the Australian Festival Industry Conference (AFIC) returns for its fourth time Sept. 8 and 9, at Brisbane’s Rivershed.

In 2023, when it was at Luna Park Sydney, it drew a record 150 delegates, including those from SE Asia and the UK.

Founder and event director Carlina Ericson spent 2024 attending dozens of festivals, saying, “I was able to see first-hand what’s going on in the industry right now. It’s clear that the industry is still facing a number of key issues, which therefore reinforces the need for AFIC to return.”

SXSW Sydney Firms 2025 Date

SXSW Sydney has firmed its 2025 dates, staging conference, expo and showcases Oct. 13-19 in and around precincts such as as Darling Harbour and Chippendale.
Geoff Jones, chair of SXSW Sydney said, “2024 was a great success on all fronts and was bigger than its debut year in attendance numbers and sessions throughout the week.”
This year it delivered 1,400 conference sessions, 95 screenings, 315 performances, 150 games and brand activations to 92,000+ unique attendees from 56 countries.

NEW ZEALAND

Live Nation To Manage Regional Theater

In a partnership with Waikato Regional Property Trust, Live Nation NZ will operate the 1,300-capacity Waikato Regional Theater which opens late 2025.

Set in the heart of the fast growing city of Hamilton, the new theater is set to play a major role in expanding Waikato’s night-time economy, domestic tourism, and local businesses.
As part of the deal, the theater will also be open to local community, arts and cultural events.

Mark Kneebone, managing director of Live Nation NZ, stated, “We can’t wait to bring some top-tier local and international talent to the stage in Hamilton.

“It’s a diverse and growing city and we relish our role in contributing to the regional arts and entertainment communities across Aotearoa (NZ) as custodians of this venue.”