Byron Bay East Coast Blues and Roots Fest
Marketplace crowd shot by Kate Belle Photography; photos courtesy of Bluesfest Pty. Ltd.
Click on any image to zoom in
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| Country and Region | Australia — New South Wales |
|---|---|
| Type of Festival | Music |
| Location of Festival | Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia |
| Festival Address Information | Byron Bay East Coast Blues and Roots Fest |
| Festival Description | The Byron Bay East Coast Blues and Roots Fest brings together an eclectic blend of musicians from all over the world lit up Byron Bay’s Red Devil Park in what has become its annual music fiesta. The idyllic location and weather, the friendly township, the sweeping beaches and the uplifting blend of blues, roots, soul, world and contemporary music that, quite simply, fills people with joy. Bluesfest is proud to say that this year the festival won an international greener Festival award honoring its committment to running an environmentally sustainable festival. |
| Festival Dates | March 20 - 24, 2008 |
| Festival Links | http://www.bluesfest.com.au/ |
Festival Story:
What San Francisco is to the United States, Byron Bay is to Australia. What Glastonbury is to the English, Woodstock is to Americans, this annual Easter Weekend event at the easternmost tip of the continent is to Aussies.
This locally-grown event has evolved into THE place for counter-culture to congregate in Australia each year. Don’t let the title fool you – it’s not limited to Chicago or New Orleans style blues – though they are heavily represented here – the festival has become a celebration of POPULAR MUSIC. The festival welcomes all musical comers to groove, be together, dance and participate The Festival is also full of stalls and vendors selling multi-cultural food, homemade, environmentally conscious crafts and merchandise. There is also a strong political spirit at the festival and there are many stalls with representatives from not-for-profit organizations.
In 2005, the lineup spanned musical genres and defied definition with groups ranging from former indy/college chart geniuses turned giant pop group REM to formerly folksy singer/songwriter now huge star Sarah McLachlan to the band who gave us “what we were funking for” Parliament to Blues MASTER Bo Diddley. The festival has also featured Aussie acts such as Casey Chambers, the Old Spice Boys, Ross Wilson and The Beautiful Girls.
The open-air festival is a 5 day event that is suitable for the whole family – there is extensive programming for kids that finishes before dark. Children up to age 14 must be chaperoned by an adult at all times. There are extensive campgrounds that surround the park and local accommodation is abundant.
Festival Events:
Line-up 2008:
- Keith Urban
- John Fogarty
- KT Tunstall
- London Community Gospel Choir
- Xavier Rudd
- G Love & Special Sauce
- Jools Holland & His Rhythm and Blues Orchestra
- Keb Mo
- and many more…
Other Sources:
Articles and Reviews:
http://www.byronnews.com.au/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3648545&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=
http://www.abc.net.au/northcoast/stories/s1302462.htm
http://www.blues.co.nz/news/article.php?id=297
http://www.abc.net.au/northcoast/stories/s1334255.htm
http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/383/
http://www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/dec04/20041206_bluesfest.html
http://www.debbiekruger.com/writer/freelance/bluesfest.html
Images:
- Images of 2005 East Coast Blues & Roots Festival
http://www.byron-bay.com/bluesfest05/ - Images of 2003 East Coast Blues & Roots Festival
http://www.byron-bay.com/ericsardinas/
http://www.byron-bay.com/shanemcgowan/ - Byron Bay Blues Festival Photos
http://www.byron-bay.com/bluesfest/festival.html
http://www.byron-bay.com/shanemcgowan/index.html
Recordings from Amazon:
- Missy Higgins, The Sound of White
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00092ZM84/ - The Cat Empire, Two Shoes
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BHN89M/
Practical Info:
Tickets:
- By email
tickets@bluesfest.com.au
Venue:
- Belongil Fields
How to get there:
- Byron Bay is located in the Northern Rivers region in NSW, just off the Pacific Highway, 800kms north of Sydney, 170kms south of Brisbane (about 90kms south of the Gold Coast). There are two airports in the vicinity with a train station and bus depot located in the centre of town.
- By Plane:
The Ballina Byron Gateway (closest airport) is located in Ballina (30mins south).
Gold Coast Airport is located in Coolangatta QLD (60mins North) - By Car:
Much work has been done to the Pacific Highway making for a more enjoyable drive. Whenever driving long distances, driver fatigue should be avoided by sharing the driving and taking rest breaks every 2 hours. With breaks, Byron Bay is about a 9 hour drive from Sydney and about 2 hour drive from Brisbane. - By Bus:
Coach travel to Byron Bay is a popular budget way to travel with busses arriving regularly at the Bus Depot located in the centre of town. Most bus companies located on the east coast of Australia have a regular service to Byron Bay. - Shuttlebus to Festival:
Every 10 Minutes at peak times, every 20 minutes at other times. Small charge
Family Friendly:
- Kids are very welcome and we do provide fun and exciting activities for them. Children’s activities finish before dark daily and kids up to the age of 14 do have to be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Handicapped access:
- Vehicle access (including disabled transport taxis), immediately adjacent to the front entrance gate is specifically reserved for the purpose of setting down disabled passengers.
Disabled car parking spaces are reserved in the staff car parking area near the main entry, where people with authorized ‘disabled’ stickers will be allowed to park.
A disabled liaison person will be available through our Information Stall (which is right opposite the entry when you walk in) to meet and greet disabled patrons and help with any requests and supply necessary information.
Disabled toilets with access ramps in both toilet areas plus three disabled viewing areas are available throughout the Festival. Please Note: Access is available to all areas; however the site is a grassy playing field, which has some sloped areas.
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