“Can’t shake the feeling of being ripped off” and “surprise,surprise” were typical comments on one Byron Bay Facebook page this week.

Earlier on Saturday,Noble stood behind Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young as she launched her party’s festivals support package,which includes $20m in grants and a commitment to review skyrocketing insurance costs for the live music industry.

“Our festivals are in crisis,” said Hanson-Young. “It’s clear the government needs to step in.”

Despite urging support for the Greens,Noble denied relations had broken down with federal and NSW Labor over what he sees as a lack of financial support in general and a refusal to heed a specific call for investment in infrastructure for the Tyagarah site.

“No,[Federal Arts Minister] Tony Burke came to my wedding and I went to his,he’s a friend,” said Noble. “But I don’t have to agree with everything he says. And[NSW Arts Minister] John Graham and I have worked together for ten,20 years.”

Tickets are already on sale for Bluesfest 2026 and Noble confirmed he was negotiating with artists. However,he refused to give a 100 per cent guarantee the festival would return next year.

“I will do it as long as the public buys tickets,but that’s the only people we can rely on,” he said.

“We can’t rely on anyone else. I have every intention of doing it but maybe[saying] that will make government go,‘Well,they’re going to do it anyway. We don’t have to help them.’”

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