As the fallout continues in the aftermath of Bluesfest's 2026 cancellation and the company placed into liquidation, another Australian festival has pulled the plug on its 2026 event.
After pausing in 2025 after staging 11 events since its 2013 inception (noting the off year in 2020 due to COVID), Birdsville Big Red Bash's planned 2026 festival in July has been cancelled after severe weather left the event's site waterlogged – even with event tickets 90 per cent sold.
Despite the festival team working to find an alternative location, event organisers made 'the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the 2026 edition' as the festival site would not be dried out by July.
"After careful consideration of the available options, we decided that relocating the Birdsville Big Red Bash was not feasible for 2026," event founder/ owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group Greg Donovan says.
"We surveyed our patrons to fully understand their feelings about a relocated festival and their attendance intentions. The survey achieved an incredible 95 per cent response rate, which provided comprehensive insight into their thoughts and opinions.
"The decision to cancel this year's event, whilst difficult, is based on what we believe is in the best interest of the event and patrons."
Greg and his experienced team have confirmed the Big Red Bash will proceed in 2027, with the majority of the 2026 artist line-up committed for next year. Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus and The Teskey Brothers had been slated to headline this year.
2026 ticket holders will be given three options for their tickets that will be available until June 19, 2026.
• Request a refund – that will be processed immediately by Oztix
• Transfer your tickets to the 2027 Birdsville Big Red Bash (6-8 July 2027)* no action required)
• Transfer your tickets to the 2026 Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash (20–22 August 2026)
"This is an incredibly tough call for Greg Donovan and the Big Red Bash team, particularly with the event 90 per cent sold out," Stuart Field, Oztix Co-Founder & Managing Director says.
"The way Greg and his team have engaged directly with patrons and made this decision in their best interest, is a testament to the integrity and reputation they've built over many years.
"He is one of the most trusted and respected promoters in the country, always doing the right thing by his Bash community.
"Having partnered with the Big Red Bash for more than ten years, we've seen first-hand the significant economic impact the event delivers to communities across Outback Queensland, and our thoughts are with the local businesses, suppliers and communities who are also affected by the weather events.
"We'll be doing our part to ensure customer refunds are processed efficiently and importantly supporting Greg and the team to bring the Bash back next year. Its significance on the Australian events calendar is unmatched – as one of the most unique and remote festivals in the world."
For more than a decade, the foot of Big Red has served as the sprawling temporary township known as Bashville for the three-day desert concert – that typically draws over 10,000 campers to the edge of the Simpson Desert.
"We fully understand and appreciate the planning, excitement and anticipation all our adventurous patrons have when they buy tickets and lock in plans to head into the great Australian outback for the Bash," Donovan says.
"We also know our own team's excitement and passion for delivering the festival in this unique and amazing location. It's a very special and spiritual place.
"Mother Nature is the highest authority; this year she has spoken and we have heard the message. We can't express our gratitude enough to everyone who put their faith in us and purchased tickets to this year's Bash, and we sincerely regret the disappointment the cancellation will cause for so many people.
"Prior to the rain event, tickets were over 90 per cent sold and we were so much looking forward to a fantastic year with another great line-up of Australian artists."
Event organisers have also promised current volunteers they will have first option on roles for next year's Big Red Bash event. "Volunteers are the lifeblood of our Bash events and do a phenomenal job," Greg says.
"We appreciate their support and continued commitment to our events. Many have worked alongside us for several years – some for the entirety of the event history; and some have become valued staff.
"We know there will be disappointment that the Big Red Bash isn't going ahead so will ensure they have priority for the next event."
