Frequently asked questions
Q. Can I purchase a ticket just for one day?
Yes, you can purchase a day ticket for Friday, Saturday or Sunday in 2009. Visit our ticketing page for details. Sunday Day Tickets do not allow access to the Wind Down Concert on Sunday evening.
Q. What are the dates for 2009?
The festival is held on the second weekend in November. This year’s dates are Friday the 13th, Saturday the 14th & Sunday the 15th November.
Q. When are the tickets going on sale ?
Early Bird tickets are available for purchase from 1st May to 30th June so it is a good idea to get in early for one of these bargain priced tickets. Any time after this or prior to this tickets can be purchased from this web page.
Q. When will the first round of artists be announced?
Our first artist announcement is expected to be on 1st May with regular updates after that.
Q. How do I apply to have stall at the next festival?
Stall applications are available on our applications page and will be open for submissions from March to 24th June.
Q. Who organizes the festival?
Blues at Bridgetown Inc. is a not-for-profit organisation run by a voluntary committee and a festival co-ordinator. The co-ordinator and committee then oversee many hundreds of volunteers who ensure a successful event each year. View more about us.
Q. Where is Bridgetown and how far is it from Perth?
Bridgetown is approximately 267 kilometres (3hours) from Perth and is literally located in the centre of the south-west. View directions.
Q. Do I have to pre-book tickets?
Yes it would be a good idea to purchase a ticket before the weekend of the Blues Festival. The festival has been a sell out in the past so it is better to be safe than sorry. Early Bird tickets are available for purchase from 1st May to 30th June so it is a good idea to get in early for one of these bargain priced tickets. Order tickets today.
Q. Is there parking close to the festival?
Yes, there is parking close to the festival. During the Street Party on the Saturday there is no parking permitted in the closed off street area. Parking is then available within easy walking distance of the street party. Disabled parking is also available closer to the venues.
Q. Is there security at the Festival?
The festival has extensive security available throughout the event.
Q. Are there ATMs at the Festival?
Bankwest, Westpac and Commonwealth banks have ATM’s available. IGA supermarket has an ATM inside the shop and is available during opening hours. Money is also available from many local businesses who have EFTPOS facilities.
Q. Is busking allowed at the Festival?
NO. Busking is not permitted during the Blues Festival and particularly not during the Street Party. The festival organisers take many months to plan what entertainment will be provided over the weekend and buskers often interfere with the running of the program. If you are interested in playing at the festival please visit our applications page.
Q. Are there disabled facilities at the Festival?
Disabled toilets are located in town at the shire town hall complex (behind the Festival Club), and in the main street next to the chemist, and at the budget camping at the show grounds as well as in Blue Owls Nest. Most areas around the festival are accessible for persons with a disability.
Q. When will the line up of artists be announced?
An anticipated artist line-up will be announced upon release of the Early Bird Tickets in early May. The list on our artists page will then constantly be updated as artists commit themselves to attending the festival.
Q. When will the printed program be available?
Printed programs are available when you exchange your ticket for armband.
Q. How can I meet the artists, get cd’s signed or get autographs of artists?
Our main merchandise, including CD'S, will be for sale at the Visitor Information Centre. There will also be a facility available for artists to sign their CD's and meet festival goers at the Visitor Centre.
Q. What seating is available?
Seating is provided in the Blue Owls Nest, Repertory & Festival club. You will have to purchase a ticket to access these venues.
Q. What accommodation is available?
Accommodation in Bridgetown and surrounding areas is limited. Telephone the Bridgetown Visitor Centre on 08 9761 1740 or visit www.bridgetown.com.au for accommodation information. You can also view our accommodation page.
During the Festival weekend additional camping accommodation is provided at three locations.
WHERE TO BOOK
For Tent City and Village Camping and a limited number of pre-booked powered sites at Budget Camping, please contact the Bridgetown Visitor Centre for prices and bookings. Phone 08 9761 1740 Fax: 08 9761 1105 Email: visitors@bridgetown.wa.gov.au Online: www.bridgetown.com.au
Q. Can I work at the festival?
The festival is such a success thanks to the many hundreds of volunteers that assist in the lead up to and over the entire weekend. There are a variety of positions available on a voluntary basis. If you are interested in assisting in a voluntary capacity over the weekend visit our volunteer club.
Many businesses in town find that the Blues at Bridgetown weekend is their busiest weekend of the year. Most businesses will advertise for employees in the lead up to the weekend so keep an eye out in the town or in local newspapers.
Q. Can I bring my dog/pet?
Dogs and pets are not permitted at the Blues at Bridgetown Festival. It is a rural community and there are lots of children around during the weekend. Dogs are not permitted at any of the camp grounds.
Q. The weather
In the past, the second weekend in November has provided a variety of weather conditions for our festival. It is unpredictable and we try to ensure that we are prepared for any weather type. Many of the music venues are undercover. It is advisable to prepare for extremely hot weather by bringing along hats, suncream and water. Bridgetown can get cold, so bring along jumpers and rain jackets in case it is cold and wet. Refunds will not be issued for wet weather, we will go on rain, hail or shine.
Q. Under 18’s and children
Youth and children (aged up to and including 17 years) are not permitted in any of the venues without adult supervision. (Adult supervision is classed as a parent or legal guardian or spouse and they must be a responsible adult as defined by Section 125(2)(b) of the Liquor Licensing Act 1988) If a young person enters a venue with an adult they must be with adult at all times.
Q. What food and drinks are available during the festival?
Many local businesses in town provide a diverse range of food and drinks during the weekend. These are available from a variety of cafes, restaurants and hotels. The Street party which is held on the Saturday of the festival also provides an assortment of food and drink stalls. Many of these stallholders stay for the whole weekend and are spread around the festival site.
Alcohol can be purchased via a ticketing system in our music venues. BYO is not permitted in the music venues and random bag searches are a condition of entry.
No alcohol is to be consumed in unlicensed areas and street drinkers will be prosecuted.
Water tanks with free water are available at the Blue Owls Nest and at the street party.
Q. Is there a lost property outlet?
If you find an item that doesn’t belong to you or if you lose something yourself, the Visitors Centre is the place to go. There is a section at the Visitors centre and staff will assist you to look for your lost item. If it is not there a form can be completed with your details.
Q. What if I lose my tickets?
When you purchase your tickets there will be a record of the purchase in the Blues at Bridgetown system.
If you purchase your ticket during the weekend, ensure that you ask for a receipt.
If you lose your ticket please bring along your receipt and some identification to the office and the issue will be dealt with as simply as possible.
Q. What if I lose my arm band?
If you lose your armband or have a broken armband, you will be required to provide proof of purchase before this issue can be addressed.
Q. Are passouts available?
An armband is placed on your wrist upon arrival at festival and this is your pass out.
Q. What if I leave my tickets at home?
If you leave your ticket at home you will have to purchase an armband to attend the festival. You must keep the receipt. When you get home, write a letter requesting a refund & include the original ticket & copy of the receipt of second purchase. A refund will then be posted if the claim is legitimate.
Q. Am I allowed to bring a camera to the festival?
Yes, you are able to take photos to record the memorable event.
Q. Can I smoke at the festival?
Smoking is not permitted inside any of the Blues at Bridgetown venues including the marquees. For the comfort of other patrons smoking is also not permitted within five metres of the venue entrances.