Splendour in the Grass cancelled over 'unexpected events'

It is the latest in a string of music festivals to be called off including Groovin the Moo, which cited poor ticket sales for the decision in February.

Kylie Minogue had been announced as the headliner for the popular music and arts festival at North Byron Parklands in northern NSW from July 19 to 21.

Aussie drummer and singer G Flip, US hardcore punk band Turnstile, American rappers Future and Yeat, and rock band Arcade Fire were among others artists featured on the line-up.

Splendour in the Grass backers Live Nation said it was "with a heavy heart" that they announced the cancellation on March 27.

"We know there were many fans excited for this year's line-up and all the great artists planning to join us, but due to unexpected events we'll be taking the year off," Live Nation said.

"Ticket holders will be refunded automatically.

"We thank you for your understanding and will be working hard to be back in future years."

NSW minister for music John Graham said "the cancellation of Splendour in the Grass is devastating news".

"The festival industry is under extreme pressure, and I am deeply worried about the health of the festival scene here in NSW," he said.

"The NSW Government offered financial support to help the event proceed this year. We will continue to work with them and hope to see them return next year."

Byron Bay deputy mayor Sarah Ndaiye said the festival was "an important injection to our economy over the winter months".

"There are big implications for musicians and those who work in and around the industry as well," councillor Ndaiye said.

"It was a stella lineup this year - a once in a lifetime opportunity for many to see Kylie perform as well, so if they weren't able to sell out with that, it says a lot about the cost of living and housing crisis among other things," she said.

"The industry has still been trying to recover from COVID and the increasing climactic events that have impacted the industry enormously.

"I can only imagine organiser do not feel like they're in a position to take these enormous risks. I hope Splendour can return stronger then ever next year."

Australian singer Tones and I reacted to the news on Instagram and said it was more important than ever to support live music locally.

"It's pretty sad as we also lost Groovin the Moo and Falls Festival in the past few years, and we don't know if it's going to come back," the singer, whose real name is Toni Watson, said.

"I understand everyone gets so excited when overseas artists come over... but soon we're really not going to have any festivals left."

She said losing local festivals would not only deter international acts from travelling down under but also "hinder the up-and-coming Australian live music scene".

Local folk duo The Dreggs was also slated to play at the festival and were "absolutely spewing" at the news.

"Hopefully the Australian music scene can recover soon," the duo said on Instagram.

Tickets for the 2024 festival went on sale on March 21 after the line-up was announced earlier this month.

Festival-goers could buy a three-day ticket for $417 or a day pass for $193.

Splendour in the Grass has been held at North Byron Parklands, 25km north of Byron Bay, since 2013.

Its 20th anniversary event was scheduled for 2020 with 50,000 tickets for each day sold out within the hour, before the pandemic led to its cancellation.

In 2022 the festival dealt with heavy rain which flooded the grounds and left patrons lining up in their cars for hours.

In 2023 Tasmanian arts festival Dark Mofo and Falls Festival each revealed the annual events would not be going ahead.

Victorian music festival Coastal Jam scrapped its January 2024 event a week out due to financial constraints.

Friday, July 19

Plus mix-up DJs:

Plus The Forest:

Saturday, July 20

Plus mix-up DJs:

Plus The Forest:

Sunday, July 21

Plus mix-up DJs:

Plus The Forest: