Through continuously doing what they do best, programming stunning artists year after year, and creating a welcome home five days a year for every age demographic, it’s any wonder Bluesfest keeps raking in the accolades.

The multi-award winning festival in Byron Bay has added an other two feathers to its hat, taking home the Best Cultural, Arts or Music Event in Australia at the Australian Event Awards on Wednesday night.

On top of beating out Vivid, Splendour In the Grass, and the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games for the award, Bluesfest was also officially inducted into NSW’s Tourism Hall of Fame Awards.

Bluesfest was made aware of the Hall of Fame induction in July; three wins in the major festivals and events category automatically sees the event inducted, and the festival won Best Major Festival & Event for three consecutive years. However Bluesfest was only recently officially honoured.

Speaking about the double honour, Festival Director Peter Noble OAM said:

“We’re thrilled to win this coveted award and bring it home to our beloved Byron Bay. The competition was fierce, congratulations to the other finalists, each of whom deserved the win.

:: Fear At The Top: Peter Noble

“The win was all the sweeter because we began 30 years ago as a grass roots music, arts and cultural festival and continue to champion the arts every day of our working lives. To be recognised for our achievements at both state and national level is something we’re absolutely thrilled about.

“I’m so proud of the Bluesfest team that make our festival happen each year and next year our 30^th edition really is shaping up to be our best festival yet.”

Peter Noble

Bluesest has previously won six awards at the Australian Event Awards, including Event of the Year in 2010.

2019’s attendees are in for a treat with a stacked lineup set to take over Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm from 18-22 April 2019. 12 hours of music will feature each day across five stages from the likes of Jack Johnson, Iggy Pop, Paul Kelly, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Hozier, David Gray, Kasey Chambers, Ray LaMontagne, George Clinton and more.

:: Chcck out the full Bluesfest 2019 lineup here.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.