It may seem so long ago that Bluesfest happened to many of you.

It DOES for me.

We move straight from one festival to the other, and have been working on Bluesfest 2013 for months now.

I thought at this time you might like to get an update from me, the man, so to speak about Bluesfest - so here it goes.

I have NEVER in my career been offered so many great artists as I have for Bluesfest 2013.

Our two main stages, Mojo and Crossroads are almost fully booked already, with only very early afternoon slots still available for artists at this time.

Jambalaya is also almost fully booked - although there are still afternoon slots available Monday - and a few more available on Thursday.

The saying at our Blues Headquarters goes: The BEST BLUESFEST is the one you never get, because it is likely that ALL the artists who have indicated interest in performing, WILL not all confirm.

However, the difference this year is that if only 60% of the artists who have asked to play Bluesfest actually confirm in the end, it is going to be the best Bluesfest EVER, hands down, no doubt.

On top of that we are being offered incredible new artists weekly; I don't think we have EVER had a year like it.

We ARE on track for a September artist announcement - the earliest EVER in our history - and it is going to be a beauty, judging by what is currently happening.

I want you to get excited, as we really do expect to DELIVER in absolute capital letters to you for 2013.

There is going to be a ticket increase very soon, do yourself a favour, buy your tickets now - at a member's price - you will not be disappointed.

Whilst I must admit to being a Blues fan - in both Music and Rugby League and as the State of Origin game will possibly be just about to begin, or has just finished by the time you read this, I KNOW, there are plenty of Maroons fans who read this E blast.

I wish you the best for the team of your choice. I really do think BOTH teams are so closely matched, and this is going to be one of the GREATEST ORIGIN GAMES EVER.

Good luck to you for the team you follow.

However, I am looking forward to see the Maroons winning streak being broken tonight...!!

The State of Play:

I thought you might be interested in some statistics from Team Bluesfest - that is you - the team that our team wants to please every year.

So here you go:

• There were 33,744 individual people who attended Bluesfest 2012 which made an overall attendance of 82,000
• 12,595 of you came from NSW
• 11,034 from Queensland
• 3,750 from Victoria
• 1,372 from South Australia
• 1,256 from the ACT
• 1,101 from West Australia
• 1,017 from the NT - what a result from a low population area - thanks guys - and guess what? We have ALWAYS had a good turnout from the Top End
• 987 from Tasmania
• Rest of the World was 662 - about half were Kiwis, and around 100 each from the US and UK - Canada was a bit higher than usual, as the Great Big Sea fans turned up big time for one of their favourite bands.
• You drank around 3.3 alcoholic drinks each daily - pretty low for a festival - however, with the great music, I guess you guys stayed in front of stages to listen to music than going for a drink - and that's just what we want you to do.
• We served 750 meals daily from our backstage catering area to bands and crews, in order to deliver well looked after people to you.
• We sold 11,850 bottles of water
• And 18,500 cups of Bluesfest coffee
• Between 3,000 and 4,000 of you took the bus to Bluesfest and back daily
• Well over 500 workers plus close to 600 volunteers worked to give you a great time.
• Not one band missed playing - they were brought to and from the event by our driver team of 47 drivers - and boy, did they deliver in this area.
• At least 4 bands or managers that I know of, either announced from the stage, or told me Bluesfest is the greatest festival in the world - they are David Bromberg, Steve Earle, Donovan and Earth Wind & Fire.

Bluesfest competitions:

Our Bluesfest competitions are still running and if you want to have a real chance at winning a 5 night Easter Weekend at the Grand Mercure Casuarina Resort and other amazing prizes, then HAVE A go at our quiz from last week, it is still running !!!

Byron Council Events Policy:

We received 10,185 people who signed our petition regarding the Byron council's events Policy - and when I say watch this space - believe me, big news is happening about this anti-music policy VERY soon - Thanks for your support -There is NOTHING like people power.

Thank you

Thank you Team Bluesfest - I love you and thank you for coming on this amazing journey with me, yet I will never take you for granted - it is your support that has placed Bluesfest where it is today - and in that my gratitude knows no boundary.

Thanks again! Peter Noble, Festival Director BLUESFEST & Bluesfest Touring