Music festival to bring the blues to Thredbo Village in January next year

With winter releasing its icy grip on 2021, you might imagine the snow resorts would be falling quiet for a few months. Not so. The party is about to get started in Thredbo as three days of non-stop live music comes to town in January next year.

The soulful tunes of blues will fill the air at Thredbo Village as the Thredbo Blues Festival returns for its 27th year from 28 to 30 January 2022.

Locals have been told to “get ready to shake, boogie, rock ‘n roll” as a massive line-up of talented artists make their way to the Snowy Mountains.

“Three days of the best of the blues, good food, wine and awesome times is set to bring blues revellers and festival goers from near and far,” a spokesperson said.

Fans will be treated to more than 60 performances from more than 20 different acts up close and personal as they fill the bars, restaurants and outdoor venues in Thredbo Village.

The last two snow seasons have been hit and miss thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, and last year’s festival was a casualty too.

But Thredbo Blues Festival Organiser Jen Wilson said she is excited to see it make a COVID-safe comeback after being cancelled last year.

“I cannot wait to hear some great live music filling the Valley again, centred in our beautiful Thredbo Village,” Ms Wilson said.

“Thredbo Blues Festival 2022 boasts an amazing line-up of exceptional blues artists, combined with a vibrant village atmosphere. We are all set to stage an unforgettable festival in January.”

The line-up has just been finalised, with this year’s celebration said to feature a blues honour roll of artists.

Ray Beadle and The Hi Tones will return by popular demand, along with Nathan Cavaleri, Lloyd Speigel, Fiona Boyes Band and Foreday Riders.

Thredbo crowd favourites 19 Twenty will be back with their raging live performances, and the rocking Simon Kinny Lewis Band will be bringing back the ultimate blues vibes.

Darren Jack Band, Steve Edmonds, Mitch Grainger, The Sun Bears, Rory Ellis, Nick Charles and Mick Pealing, Mike Elrington are just a handful of other amazing artists on the packed line-up.

The festival is not just for the blues fans, however.

The village will sport a wide range of different outdoor activities.

Thredbo is also home to Australia’s largest network of gravity mountain bike trails, as well as some of the most picturesque hiking trails in the country including the Mount Kosciuszko walk.

Also as a welcome treat, Australia’s highest restaurant, Eagles Nest, is hosting a “Blues Lunch” where guests can enjoy a drink and two-course meal.

There is a range of accommodation on offer with everything from budget stays to five-star lodges, all of which can be packaged with festival passes.

A limited number of early-bird festival passes are now on sale. Full priced festival passes will be $189 per adult. A one full-day pass can be purchased at the festival and costs $95 for adults and $47.50 for students. Children under 14 years can attend for free.

Full weekend passes also include free chairlift and gondola access from noon on Friday to 4 pm Sunday.