Bluesfest Cancellation Crushes Fans, Costs Thousands

0:00This is Cory, keeping Sydney in the know you're listening to Sydney News today. Blues Fest, the popular Easter music festival on Australia's New South Coast, has been canceled just weeks before its 37th year. Organizers revealed the news on Friday, despite a star-studded lineup with acts like Earth, Wind and Fire, Erica Badu, and Split Ends. Rising production, logistics, insurance, and touring costs force the shutdown. Liquidators from worlds now control the finances, and they've told ticket holders refunds are unlikely since the event can't cover its debts. Families who treat it as their big annual holiday feel crushed. The headlies from the Gold Coast have camped there every year since their daughter was one year old. She's now 14, and they spend close to $3,000 this time. Meanwhile, Melbourne fan Ben Jenner showed out $5,600 last week on tickets, flights, and lodging, even for next year after. Organizers hinted it might continue.

1:00Many say the late-notice wrecked travel plans nationwide. State tourism officials from destination New South Wales, who granted $500,000 this year, planned to recover the funds. Fans urged quicker government action to help those out of pocket and probe what went wrong. This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, see the episode description. Your favorite podcasts, music, or sleep sounds coming from your pillow, no earbuds, no distractions, just listen and relax. S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com