Bluesfest organizer claims support for NSW music festivals is insufficient.

Music festivals in NSW are being given a lifeline as the state government rushes to prevent the industry’s collapse, but the Bluesfest director believes this might not be sufficient.

The government is providing two years of emergency financial aid for music festivals, starting with $3 million in funding.

Additionally, there are plans to amend the Music Festivals Act to enhance the regulatory framework for these events.

Peter Noble, the director of Bluesfest, which is planning its final event for 2025, expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the government’s aid, describing the music industry as facing an “extinction event.”

“The music industry is struggling to survive. I appreciate any support for our industry, but this isn’t the kind of investment we need,” Noble remarked.

One proposed change to the Music Festivals Act will allow organizers to appeal costs or conditions that impose severe financial strain on their festivals, similar to a policy in place in Victoria.

Noble predicted a flood of appeals. “I would suggest that the economic viability of every festival in NSW is in jeopardy, so they better have a sizable appeals board,” he stated.

He also raised concerns about the high cost of policing at festivals. “This doesn’t really address the issue of police charging exorbitant fees for their presence,” he added.

High-profile festival closures

Several long-standing music festivals, including Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival, have already shut down.

The 22nd edition of Splendour in the Grass, originally set for July 2024, was cancelled due to what organizers described as “unexpected events.”

NSW Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy John Graham expressed a desire to revitalize the state’s live music scene.

“We’ve witnessed significant losses among festivals due to the mounting pressures,” he remarked.

“Currently, Bluesfest is wrapping up its final edition, Splendour in the Grass is on hold for now, and we’ve seen several others come to an end as well.”

“I hope they return, but we’re committed to preventing further losses beyond what we’ve already experienced.”

Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, however, is worried that the available support may not benefit smaller festivals.

“I don’t believe the [reform] bill, once it’s revealed, will be sufficient to save many music festivals,” she commented.

“The aid seems to be directed towards larger festivals—many smaller ones are struggling significantly, and this announcement won’t provide them with the support they need.”

Police costs deemed ‘excessive’ in NSW

The Australian Festival Association supported Mr. Noble’s concerns about high police expenses.

“We observe that festivals in other states require significantly fewer police officers compared to those in NSW, which results in disproportionately high costs for events in NSW,” said managing director Mitch Wilson.

“There still needs to be a discussion about reducing the number of police at festivals, as the presence of so many officers drives up the expenses.”

However, Mr. Wilson acknowledged that the industry would welcome the additional support.

“The emergency grant for larger festivals over the next two years is a vital measure for protecting the future of NSW’s music festival sector,” he added.

Which events will receive funding?

Funding will be allocated to established contemporary music festivals with a history of success and a capacity exceeding 15,000 attendees.

The updates to the Music Festival Act will incorporate suggestions from a review conducted by Liquor and Gaming NSW and other government bodies.

A major recommendation from the review is that all festivals must now submit a health and medical safety plan.

Additionally, police will retain the ability to suggest conditions related to safety and law enforcement under the new regulations.