Splendour in the Grass (2011)

© www.splendourinthegrass.com

In whichever way you look at it, Splendour in the Grass is one mind-blowing festival. Whether you are there to feel the music, watch the live acts, move with the crowds and be part of the campsite atmosphere, or you want to sample the local arts, crafts and cuisine, and get in some mesmerising sunrises or sunsets, this is one festival where everyone is sure to have a good time.

This fun-filled music, arts and cultural festival has been happening for the past ten years, and once again the time has come to start making your plans, because this year’s festival is almost here.

Three stages (Amphitheatre, Mix Up Stage and GW McLennan Tent) will be set up to host 81 live acts, including performances from new and emerging artists, and past favourites as well as international stars. Imagine a mix of Sydney’s own Lanie Lane, the dance vibes of The Aston Shuffle, Coldplay, LA four-piece Warpaint and The Black Seeds from Wellington… All in one weekend too!

If you are not happy just watching, and something inside you is yearning to get on that stage, there’s one chance and one competition. Just like last year, one lucky (and talented, of course) winner will get to be the opening act on the first day of the festival. It’s Triple J’s Unearthed, and it’s open now. Sign up to www.triplejunearthed.com as an artist, and see if you can follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner Jinja Safari.

Warpaint

Want a break from the main stages? Then head to the campgrounds, where a whole range of activities and entertainment options have been put in place. Visit the Global Village (for more music, food and a spot of shopping), the Tipi Forest, the Very Small Mall and the Splendour Day Spa, have a look at the Splendour Arts Program, or chill out at one of the wine and cocktail bars.

The festival will be held from Friday, 29 to Sunday, 31 July 2011 at Woodfordia, Woodrow Road, Woodford Queensland (1.5 hours north of Queensland). Look forward to bushland, native wildlife and views of the Glass House Mountains. For most of its history, Splendour in the Grass took place at Belongil Fields, Byron Bay. The move to Woodfordia is temporary, with festival organisers and producers working on a permanent venue called North Byron Parklands, north of Byron Shire. Await more developments on that front.

Jane's Addiction

If you’ve been to Splendour in the Grass before and have some cool pics to share, there is a competition designed specially for you. All you have to do is share up to 3 photographs on their Facebook page, by 20 May. The main prize? A double Event and Camping Ticket to this year’s event, plus a unique accommodation experience in a Tepee onsite at the Tepee Life Village. Pretty neat, huh?

You can purchase tickets (which are moving very fast) online from www.moshtix.com.au or by phone on 1300 GET TIX (438 849). Note that as usual there are two ticket types: an event camping ticket and an event only ticket. If you need to find out more info (and you will, if you plan to go) log on to www.splendourinthegrass.com

Guineafowl

It’s definitely going to be a fabulous weekend of pure entertainment, and it’s the perfect place to meet new people, discover new sounds and just let yourself go… Start planning!

Image sources: www.splendourinthegrass.com