What's On: Byron Bay Surf Festival
Surfers, beachlovers and waterpeople! Despite the mayhem and destruction that covid-19 has plagued us with…The 2021 Byron Bay Surf Festival (BBSF) is nearly here in Australia’s much-loved beach town Byron Bay. After the angst that was much of 2020, it’s time for some surfing fun, music, art and culture.
For 2021, covid-19 pressures have forced us to adopt a slightly reduced program but it still includes our Sunset Cinema Opening Night at the Byron Theatre, Wategos Wizards surf comp on Saturday, the Sunday/Funday Freestyle & Stoke surf sessions at Wategos Beach and a very special live music event and party on Saturday night.
We kick off on the afternoon of Friday 26th Feb at Byron Community Centre Theatre with a special feature film, A Life of Endless Summers: The Bruce Brown Story. Produced by Dana Brown (Bruce’s son), the film documents the historic and enormous contribution that Bruce Brown made to surfing when he released The Endless Summer in 1966. Do not miss the movie, made all the more vibrant by showing it on the big screen and a special introduction by Dick Hoole. Following this is our Opening Ceremony with traditional Welcome to Country, live music featuring Billy Otto, short films via our Environmental Partners, special guest Dave Rastovich, and then later in the evening, our feature film, Girls can’t Surf’ ‘including a very special World Champion Guest Pauline Menczer and Jodie Cooper. The theatre bar and foyer at the Community Centre will be open from 530pm, courtesy of our major sponsor Pure Scot and also some amazing free gift packs from BBSF partner Dr Bronners.
Saturday will be massive! We commence at 7am at Wategos Beach with our annual beach clean-up, with help from Patagonia and Dr Bronners. The Wategos Wizards Surf Comp will swing into action at 8am featuring Australia’s best single fin log riders, and many of them our local faves like Roisin Carolan, Kahu Andronicus, Jack Entwistle, Josie Prendergast, Jack Lynch, Elise Trigger and Lauren Hill plus some heavy hitters from Sydney and Noosa crew! Finishing off the ultimate Byron Saturday with live music, cold bevvies and Dear Doonan at Woodys Surf Shack.
Sunday, we’ll sign off another big year with Fluoro Friday (yes, it’s on Sunday and all are welcome!) and the Freestyle & Stoke Surf Sessions at Wategos beach including a new Teams Challenge event and the ever-popular festival party wave! The party wave event is open to all but limited to 50. Enter and try to win yourself the cash prize by being first back to the beach! There will be plenty of icy cold Bevs around all weekend courtesy of Byron’s favourite beer-makers Byron Bay Brewery.
ABOUT
Founded in 2010, BBSF showcases core and creative surf culture by presenting innovative and experiential ideas through unique and engaging experiences.
The multi-day festival activates many events including surfing, art, music, film, and environment with an awareness and focus on sustainability, education and innovation.
BBSF has a clear path towards reducing environmental impacts through education with a curated festival of likeminded sponsors, participants & special guests, and a no-single-use plastics policy (unfortunately this is now subject to government covid-19 regulations).
For more information, please visit www.byronbaysurffestival.com.au