The 23rd Annual Bluesfest Byron Bay, held over Easter in April 2012, has been nominated for the Robert Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Music Festival.

This is the 6th time Bluesfest has been nominated for this award, having won in both 2005 and 2006 up against competition such as Splendour in the Grass and the Big Day Out.

In 2012, Bluesfest has been nominated alongside Future Music Festival, MONA FOMA and Vivid Live 2011. The 2012 Helpmann Award Ceremony will announce winners and be held on Monday 24 September at 6.30pm at The Sydney Opera House.

The Helpmann Awards®, named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann and to commemorate his memory and achievements, annually recognises distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia’s vibrant live performance sectors, including musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre.

The next 24th Annual Bluesfest will take place over the Easter long weekend – Thursday, 28th March through to Monday, 1st April 2013 at Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm in Byron Bay, New South Wales. Tickets for Bluesfest 2013 are on sale now; for tickets and further details on Bluesfest, visit www.bluesfest.com.au .