Thousands flock to Bridgetown over the weekend for beloved blues festival

More than 10,000 attended Bridgetown’s annual blues festival over the weekend, with several different activities and performers bringing entertainment to both Bridgetown locals and visitors. The 31st Blues at Bridgetown festival brought blues enthusiasts and those wanting to spend a warm weekend in the South West region, with three days of music, food and activities. Saturday had attendees and those wanting a free experience witnessing Hampton Street shut down and closed off for their street party, featuring multiple stages, a free entertainment stage in the intersection of Steere Street and Hampton Street, as well as stalls and food trucks set up for those wanting bites and a bit of retail therapy in between performances. The turnout matched last year’s numbers, with 10,000 to 15,000 attending, with venues around Hampton Street, including the Bridgetown Hotel, the Freemasons Hotel, Scott’s Tavern, the Bridgetown Pottery Restaurant, and two outdoor stages, at full capacity. The line-up for the weekend included blues and rock artists C.W. Stoneking, Bondi Cigars, Sweet Talk, Roshani, Grant Haua & The Soul Decree, Jack Botts, Little Quirks, Jesse Redwing, Boox Kid, Minnie Marks, Zydecats, Kangaroos With Machine Guns, Tracey Barnett, Smokestack Rhino, Rose Parker Band, The Human Highway, Sunday Lemonade, Dave Mann Collective, Wil Thomas & The Riding Light, The Nomadics, David Hyams, Chicago Blues Review, Memphis Funk & Groove, Lachy John & The Red Bellies and more. Blues at Bridgetown committee president Jackie Brody said the festival’s turnout had exceeded expectations and the committee was more than happy with the result. “It was a fantastic weekend and we are more than happy with the crowd,” she said. “We just want to make a positive experience, for the town and our volunteers, and that’s what we’re about, and hopefully people got lots of good vibes and a feel-good experience, from the weekend.” She noted the crowds at the different venues and the street party as highlights of the weekend, especially the high quality entertainment and stalls at the party. “The crowds were awesome and the representation brought to the festival was noted as a highlight, especially with both the different variety of performers and audience members. “Everyone loved the entertainment brought by the performers at the street party, as well as the quality of the stallholders at the party.” She also thanked the staff for helping the event run smoothly, noting the incredible work put by volunteers and security staff at the different venues in the festival. “Security was outstanding and the volunteers did an incredible job helping us put the festival together, which we appreciate.” Ms Brody said the artists enjoyed the festival’s atmosphere and hoped to improve for next year’s iteration. “The artists absolutely loved being here, and enjoyed networking with the other artists, and would absolutely love to be here next year as well,” she said. “We’re always working towards improving the festival for the next year and making it bigger and better.