By any measure, Bluesfest 2025 was a resounding success. Last year, there was an announcement that this could be the final year of the North Byron Bay event. However, the community rallied to support it, with over 110,00 people attending this year over four days. By the last day, it was announced that tickets were on sale for 2026.
Bluesfest contributes significantly to the community through economic impact, cultural significance, and community spirit. The festival generates substantial revenue for the local economy, supports regional tourism, and fosters a vibrant community of artists and music lovers. It also provides employment opportunities and contributes to the cultural landscape of the region.
For example, Cystic Fibrosis held a raffle with three signed guitars as prizes, drawn Sunday evening. The “Save Wallum” campaign is committed to preserving the natural beauty of Wallum, Brunswick Heads for future generations. Also, each year Bluesfest donates tickets to worthy charities. On a side note, behind the scenes, Bluesfest runs on an army of dedicated workers and volunteers. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child.
But back to the music. Neal Francis played early on the Mojo stage. The Chicago based singer, songwriter and pianist plays an infectious blend of groove and soul. Over at Crossroads stage, Miss Kaninna, the first independent Aboriginal woman to be nominated for a debut single at the ARIA Music Awards, burst on stage with an abundance of energy. Opening with “Push Up”, her powerful single about moving from Tasmania to Melbourne, she went on to explain that Indigenous music is not just about protest, but celebration. She went on to perform tracks from KANINNA, such as “Friends” and “Blak Britney”.
Back at the Mojo tent, 19-Twenty played a high energy set of rock-stomping blues. The band consists of Kane Dennelly (vocals/guitar), Jeremy Berg (Drums), and John Gwilliam (double bass). Lead singer Kane delivers raw emotion with a sense of humour, whilst John on double bass throws his instrument around like a ballroom dancer. Their songs are personal yet relatable – for example the line, “you’re not my problem anymore” is about a former lover of one of the band members.
Cimafunk made a return appearance on the Crossroads stage, much to the delight of the assembled crowd. Cimafunk is a Grammy-nominated Cuban musician known for mixing funk and hip hop with Cuban and Afro-Caribbean music. His unique sound is instantly danceable and many in the audience had come back for a second treat after they played earlier in the festival.
Kasey Chambers sent shivers down every man’s spine with her raw and emotional rendering of the opening song “Ain’t No Little Girl”. Jokingly, she told us that because of playing at Bluesfest she couldn’t wipe the smile from her face, which is a bad look for someone singing sad country songs. After playing “Backbone (The Desert Child)” from her latest album Backbone, she promised to play oldies. She then played a selection of tunes including “Pony” and “Not Pretty Enough” before launching into a cover of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”. Vance Joy joined her for a rendition of “Captain” before her son Arlo joined in with his band Motion Sickness. It was a real family affair, as her dad Bill Chambers has been a part of the band for around thirty years.
Music from Tool set the scene for Mexican acoustic guitar duo, Rodrigo y Gabriela. Musicians Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero play a combination of latin dance music fused with heavy metal influences. Their ability to strum in unison yet independently has to he seen and heard to be believed. It is a fascinating and joyous experience.
John Butler has left his John Butler Trio days and is performing under his own name. He appropriately opened with “Going Solo” before launching into “Used to Get High”. Sporting a “Save Wallum” t-shirt, he gave an impassioned speech about the importance of saving the planet over corporation profits. The fact that we export some $60B worth of LPG, yet only tax it at $1B (or less than 2%) is a major issue that neither political party are addressing. He finished with his hit “Zebra”.
UK singer and rapper Rag’n’Bone Man (Rory Graham), was inspired to take his stage name by watching the BBC sitcom Steptoe and Son. He had his breakthrough moment in 2016 with his hit “Human” and has gone on to have worldwide success. Stand out moment was when he played an unreleased single “Time to Love” which was powerfully emotional.
One of the exclusive bands to play Bluesfest was American funk band, Here Come the Mummies. Drumming into the show along the front of stage, the ancient bandaged musicians consist of members such as Mummy Cass on lead vocals, Eddie Mummy on drums, and the Great Grabsby on saxophone. Their dance tune “My Party” set the tone before “Freak Flag” and “Fenk Shui.” With several albums under their belt, such as Single Entendre and Carnal Carnival, it’s no wonder these musicians keep their identities under 5000 year old wraps.
American Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan is celebrating playing music for fifty years. A mini movie montage of awards and accomplishments splashed up on the screen before she strode out on stage, dressed in a leather jumpsuit. It was a hot evening and she joked that she should be wearing a t-shirt (and nothing else). Opening with “This is My Night” she delved into he back catalogue from when she sang with Rufus. Songs such as “Do You Love What You Feel” and “Tell Me Something Good” showcased her incredible voice. Her moves and interactions with the audience were flawless, yet huma, with a broad smile on her face. A stunning way to close the Mojo tent.
Closing act at Crossroads was Hilltop Hoods, who gave us classic tracks such as “Chase That Feeling”, “1995” and “The Nosebleed Section.” Leaving the stage in a splash of CO2 jets, the packed audience couldn’t be happier. A fitting finale to an incredible weekend of outstanding music.
Discounted early bird Bluesfest 2026 tickets are now on sale
Bluesfest now attracts over 100,000 music fans and is proudly the premier festival in Australia as a safe, fun, family-friendly event. In 2010, Bluesfest moved to its permanent home, the community event site at the spectacular 300 acre Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, just 11km north of Byron Bay.
