A Sanctuary for the Songs. A Home for the Legends.

Dates: 3:00 PM Friday, 3rd April – 4:00 PM Monday, 6th April 2026

Location: The Arcadia Theatre & Australian Poetry Hall of Fame, Guyra, NSW.

"The Lightning Manifesto"

When the storm clouds gathered over Byron, the lightning struck Guyra.

On March 13th, the news broke that Bluesfest 2026 was cancelled. Millions of notes were left hanging in the air, and some of the world’s greatest artists were left without a stage.

We couldn’t let the music stop.

The Australian Poetry Hall of Fame, housed in the historic Arcadia Theatre, is opening its doors. We are inviting the "Bluesfest Orphans"—the legends, the guitarists, the rockers, and the soul-searchers—to come to the highest town in the New England High Country for a once-in-a-lifetime residency.

Why Guyra?

This isn't a corporate festival. This is a pilgrimage. The Arcadia stage is sacred ground, having hosted Australian icons like Slim Dusty and Chad Morgan. We are offering these world-class artists a chance to strip it back, find the heart of their craft, and play for a regional audience that understands the value of a story told through song.

What to Expect:

• Four Days of Raw Soul: From Good Friday afternoon through to Easter Monday, we are transforming Guyra into a hub of "Lightning Sessions."

• The Arcadia Atmosphere: Intimate, acoustic, and electrified performances in a venue built for legends.

• A Community Movement: This event is built on grit and passion. No massive fences, no $15 beers—just the music, the history, and the high country air.

Join us as we turn a cancellation into a celebration. This is the Guyra Lightning Blues Festival.

The Artist Invitation (Open Letter)

To the Artists of the 2026 Lineup:

The stage is set. The lights are on. The door is open.

We know you came to Australia to play. We know you have stories to tell and songs that need to be heard. While the big fields may be empty this year, the Arcadia Theatre in Guyra is waiting for you.

We are offering our venue—the Australian Poetry Hall of Fame—to you for free. We want you to bring your instruments, your voices, and your spirits to the New England High Country.

Play where the greats of Australian folklore have stood. Perform for a crowd that will remember your name for generations.

From 12:00 PM Midday on April 3rd to 4:00 PM on April 6th, Guyra is yours.

Signed,

James Arthur Warren

Director, Australian Poetry Hall of Fame