An economic report conducted by Lawrence Consulting has shown the positive effect Bluesfest has had on Byron Bay and surrounds.
Peter Noble of Bluesfest - Image By Ros O'Gorman
The report showed Bluesfest contributed $150,600,000 to the New South Wales economy and $64,100,000 directly to the town of Byron Bay.
“We knew 2013 was a huge year but it was still great to see a boost in both employment positions and income and an increase in our overall contribution to Gross Regional Product from 2011, which was also a bumper year for us,” said festival director Peter Noble.
Bluesfest contributed $10.8 million in wages to Byron Bay, generated 379.3 full time jobs for Byron Shire and contributed 2.1% or $28.4 million of Gross Regional Product (GRP) for the shire.
Of the patrons attending Bluesfest in 2013 51% came from interstate, 19% from Byron Bay and 5% were from overseas.
Bluesfest had 40,607 individual attendees in 2013 who spent $21.4 million on accommodation, food, beverage, retail and attractions in the Byron shire.
Bluesfest 2013 featured Robert Plant, Paul Simon, Santana, Ben Harper, Iggy & The Stooges, Wilco, Zac Brown and Bonnie Raitt.
Bluesfest was held over the Easter Long Weekend from March 28 to April 1. Dates for 2014 are April 17 to 21.
