ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Blues at Bridgetown began with a simple idea: music rooted in human experience and storytelling belonged in a town known for its warmth, hospitality and willingness to share its lifestyle.
Since 1993, that invitation has brought people together for fine blues, breathtaking views and country hospitality. The connection between the music, the town and its people remains at the heart of the festival.
THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Blues has always thrived in intimate spaces. From the beginning, the festival set out to recreate that feeling, with music spilling from doorways, filling halls and flowing onto the street. Audiences could wander between venues and discover the many flavours of performances happening across town.
Over time, the programme has grown to embrace folk, bluegrass, roots, gospel and rockabilly alongside the blues, welcoming more audiences and local musicians into the celebration.
OUR COMMUNITY
Blues at Bridgetown is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers. From the committee and office team to social media and event organisation, people give their time, energy and ideas to bring the festival to life.
Some contribute for a weekend; others live and breathe the festival for months. Their care has shaped its atmosphere, reputation and longevity.
Thousands of visitors bring spending to local cafés, restaurants, accommodation providers and services.
Food stalls and craft markets give local businesses a place to showcase their work and sell to festival audiences.
Through Containers for Change, funds raised by recycling eligible containers are donated to local groups in partnership with Purple Plough.
Touring artists and cultural events help build Bridgetown’s reputation as an arts destination and encourage people to return.
Government support for the festival and related arts infrastructure, including Bridgetown Town Hall, has helped improve facilities for local events and community life.
OUR STORY
From a volunteer-led idea to a weekend that brings Bridgetown to life. Explore the moments that shaped The Blues.
Volunteers brought the inaugural festival together in just six months, attracting around 5,000 people. Indoor performances, outdoor stages, street music and workshops introduced the combination of blues, scenery and country hospitality that would define the event.
Attendance reached around 12,000 in the second year, and the inaugural WA Blues Awards followed in 1995. Founders Pip Mills and Sheila Howat handed the festival to a new committee in 1997, preserving its community focus.
New venues, camping options and workshops helped the festival grow. The tenth festival brought “Reunion Blues” in 2002, while later lineups embraced roots, folk, rockabilly and bluegrass alongside Australian and international blues performers.
Larger venues, shuttle services and an expanding Street Party brought more ways to experience the festival. Partnerships with Bridgetown High School supported student performances and Tent City, strengthening the connections between music, visitors and the local community.
The festival celebrated its first quarter-century with the volunteers and community who had sustained it. Established performers and emerging artists continued to share the program, keeping the event connected to its roots while welcoming new sounds.
COVID restrictions significantly affected the festival. Organisers maintained activity where possible, with community involvement and volunteer support remaining central through a difficult period for live music.
The festival marked its thirtieth edition with more than 55 acts, new venues and youth performances. The iconic Saturday Street Party returned to Hampton Street, celebrating the music and community spirit that had sustained the event.
Willow Whispers added another intimate venue, and local pubs returned as performance spaces. Expanded street entertainment, Indigenous cultural programming and community partnerships continued to shape a festival that brings music and visitors into the heart of Bridgetown.
FINE BLUES. BREATHTAKING VIEWS. COUNTRY HOSPITALITY.
The Blues at Bridgetown is supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions.
In the spirit of reconciliation the Blues at Bridgetown organisation acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Blues at Bridgetown is committed to creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive festival experience for all attendees, artists, volunteers, staff, and community members.
We celebrate diversity and strive to ensure that everyone can participate in and enjoy the festival regardless of age, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, or personal circumstances.
We are dedicated to improving accessibility across our festival sites and events. We work to identify and reduce barriers to participation wherever possible and welcome feedback from patrons and community members to help us continually improve our accessibility and inclusion practices.
We expect all festival participants to treat one another with respect, dignity, and consideration. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any form of exclusionary behaviour will not be tolerated.
Blues at Bridgetown recognises the importance of creating spaces where people feel valued, represented, and able to engage fully in the festival experience. We encourage anyone with specific access requirements to contact us in advance so that we can work together to support their participation wherever reasonably possible.
As a community-focused event, we acknowledge that inclusion is an ongoing journey. We are committed to listening, learning, and collaborating with our audience, artists, volunteers, partners, and local community to ensure Blues at Bridgetown remains a festival where everyone belongs.