COVID-19

“Whilst this might impact some people's decision to attend the festivals, we know we’ve made the right decision to keep everyone, including small regional and outback communities, as safe as possible."

'Vaccinate for the Mighty V' aims to nudge vaccine-hesitant people across the line.

"I, like so many of our community, have been struggling and looking for answers," Jane Gazzo said.

Organisers are now working towards a two-day spin-off event in Melbourne's inner city.

Daniel Rodriguez, director of Mrs J Rabbits Speakeasy called the funding “a lifeline”.

Industry heavyweights believe that vaccination rates will need to increase before a passport policy can be trialled for Australian events.

“It is obvious that we cannot present Bluesfest in a safe manner in October."

"The creative community has been stood down and overlooked. But it’s time for us to stand up and call out for what we need."

"Our identity is being eroded and it feels as though no one is fighting for us."

Singing and dancing, however, remains off the menu.