Bluesfest 2019 is just around the corner, and today they’ve announced that they are backing down on their controversial new paid parking policy.
The policy was added late last year, and would cost punters up to $50 per day to park – adding up to $250 to their total ticketing costs. It was announced months after tickets went on sale, and caused more than a bit of anger online.
Now, Bluesfest has announced that this policy will take effect next year instead when tickets for the 2020 event go on sale, and 2019 will return to free parking.
In a statement, the festival outlines why the policy was introduced in the first place.
“Paid parking is being introduced due to increased costs in multiple areas of the live music business including artist fees, production, logistics, grounds maintenance and security,” the statement reads.
“As the last major live music event within the region to introduce a parking fee, Bluesfest understands that it imposes a further cost for patrons, however as a business, the company needs to ensure the future of the festival.”
Bluesfest 2019 will be taking place from Thursday, 18th – Monday, 22nd April. View the full lineup below.
Bluesfest 2019 Full Lineup
Playing for Change
Clarence Bekker Band
Ward Thomas
Glenn Cardler and the Sideshow
Miss Velvet and the Blue Wolf
Māmā Mihirangi & the Māreikura
Lucy Gallant
Sametime
Nocturnal Syndrome
Joining…
Little Steven & The Disciples Of Souls
Joining…
Baker Boy
Archie Roach
Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project
Mojo Juju
Benny Walker
Dallas Woods
Dobby
Mission Songs
Brotherhood Of The Blues
Malu Kiai Mura Buai
Rako
Tenzin Choegyal
Muggera
Te Kopere Maori Healers
Bundjalung Weavers
Saltwater Dubay
Joining…
The Saboteurs
Joining…
Iggy Pop
Norah Jones
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Imelda May
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Archie Roach
Pierce Brothers
Backsliders
Fantastic Negrito
The Marcus King Band
Thando
Little Georgia
Benny Walker
Dallas Woods
Joining…
Paul Kelly
Hozier
David Gray
Julia Stone
Gary Clark Jr.
Mavis Staples (exclusive)
Flogging Molly
Meshell Ndegeocello
Ruthie Foster (exclusive)
Shakey Graves
Anderson East (exclusive)
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Samantha Fish (exclusive)
The War And Treaty (exclusive)
Mojo Juju
Caiti Baker
Deva Mahal (exclusive)
Melody Angel
Hussy Hicks
Joining…
Jack Johnson (Exclusive)
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals (Exclusive)
Ray LaMontagne
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic (Exclusive)
Snarky Puppy
Kasey Chambers
St Paul & The Broken Bones (Exclusive)
Nahko And Medicine For The People
Tommy Emmanuel
Colin Hay
Arlo Guthrie
Keb’ Mo’
Tex Perkins
Allen Stone
Richard Clapton
Russell Morris
Kurt Vile & The Violators
Vintage Trouble
The Black Sorrows
The California Honeydrops
Trevor Hall
I’m With Her
Larkin Poe
Irish Mythen
Elephant Sessions
Greensky Bluegrass
Rockwiz Live
Bluesfest 2019
Thursday, 18th April — Monday, 22nd April
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay
Tickets: Official Website
