Music Festivals in the COVID Era

Music festivals in 2021. What will they look like, if they can even go ahead at all?

COVID has decimated the festival scene around the world. So is there any way festivals can happen in cities where there’s still high community transmission? Can you have thousands of people in one place, sharing a drink, dancing and listening to the bands they love but also keep them socially distanced? Will a COVID safe festival kill the vibe for both the audience and the performers?

Blues Fest in Byron Bay is planning to go ahead next Easter and on today’s episode we’re joined by its promoter Peter Noble to explain how it will work. Tash Sultana has sold out major arenas and headlined the world’s biggest festivals. Tash joins us to explain the future of festivals from the artists' perspective and the decision to be part of Bluesfest 2021. What’s it like to play to a seated crowd? Is Tash going to have to change the show up in any way and adapt?

In today's news headlines:

• It’s official: Australia is in its first recession in 28 years
• AFL officials thank the QLD government for keeping footy alive
• Police warn TV personality Sam Newman against lockdown as video of pregnant mum’s arrest goes viral

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