Link: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/punters-unlikely-to-see-millions-in-ticket-sales-refunded-as-long-running-festival-shutters/f9nc7b5bo

Bluesfest's founder said it was "unlikely" festivalgoers, some of whom spent thousands on tickets and accommodation, would see any refunds.

UK usage of "punters" is someone that gets grifted...

Is it the same in Aussiland? Or is it just used for someone who spends a lot of money on something?

It's hard to tell if this was a scamfest that was never going to happen considering it was long-running. Unless the production company changed, I don't see how "punters" works, but I've never heard an Aussie use the phrase before.

Punters derives from people placing a bet, or having a punt. So from gambling and horses it became the term more generally used for any group having paid a price of admission, because they are “having a go” at the experience or taking a punt on it. It’s very common in media here but less in the daily lexicon.

Bluesfest has been going for yonks though, so no idea about why it’s suddenly gone to shit.

Thanks!

Good question! As an Australian, I've always assumed "punter" refers to a member of the audience, as there is a Melbourne music venue called The Punters Club.

This begs the question though, if the festival's been canceled, then what happened to the money collected from ticketholders who no longer have a show to see? Seems unlikely that festival organizers could be held liable for non-refundable hotel reservation costs, but what about the cost of tickets?

Sad to see the death of so many festivals in Australia.

I'm guessing the festival already incurred costs with all sorts of staff and suppliers already, and the money will be going to them before any reaches ticketholders.

The UK listings for the word on the Cambridge dictionary are pretty reflective of Australian usage: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/punter

UK
a person who gambles

UK informal
a customer; a user of services or buyer of goods