Festival founder and producer Neil Mumme said he hoped to still offer some form of music festival in Narooma next year, but the current format of a multi-day blues festival was over.

Lovingly known as Narooma Blues, the three-day event held over the October long weekend has gained a reputation as one of the most innovative and entertaining boutique festivals in the country.

Drawing a lively mix of international and national performers with great stage presence and the ability to surprise the audience, as well as giving budding regional artists the opportunity to earn their stripes, the festival is a favourite with artists and fans alike.

Festival founder and producer Neil Mumme said the decision to reassess the event came in the wake of a difficult year and within a changing marketplace that has increased the complexities of organising a multi-day festival.

“After 17 years it’s time to have a rethink,” Mumme said.

“When we started this event in 1996 I never envisaged it would grow to become one of the most respected and loved blues festivals in Australia but with that has come a heavy burden.

“We have been confronted with issues that have made me rethink many aspects not only of the festival but life in general. Much has changed since we kicked off all those years ago and, to be honest, it has become so complex running multi-day events that the time is right to rethink the whole Narooma package.”

Mumme said expectations, the proliferation of festivals, compliance issues, personnel tiredness, an ageing audience and, most importantly, a serious family health issue were reasons he was ending the current format and rethinking future options.

“The decision to call time on our current format was not taken lightly,” he said.

“We have enjoyed great support from many loyal patrons, artists, sponsors and staff over the years and you can be sure we will consult all of them as we move forward in developing our options.

“To be totally honest I am feeling both sad and relieved at the decision we have made today, but am equally excited about the options going forward.”

To send off the festival with a bang and ensure fans have the opportunity to enjoy the event in its current format one last time, Mumme has announced a final ticket release.

“We would love to sell out our final party prior to the festival gates opening so to farewell the Narooma Blues as we know it, the remaining 500 weekend tickets are on sale for $200 each for the next few weeks,” he said.

The festival runs from October 2 to 4 and accommodation is still available. For accommodation information please visit the festival website for a range of options.

There is an amazing line-up of artists performing at this year’s festival.

The mix includes The Voice sensation Gail Page, US artists JJ Grey and Mofro, the Royal Southern Brotherhood, and George Porter and the Runnin Pardners as well as Australian artists 19 Twenty, Richard Clapton, The Doley Brothers and Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks.

For a full list of artists and more information on the festival, visit www.bluesfestival.tv or call (02) 4476 4848.