Known to be one of the biggest music festivals in the country and across the world, Splendour in the Grass is a celebration of electronic, rock and indie music that takes place in July every year on the eastern-most point of mainland Australia, the Byron Bay. The name has been taken from one of the poems by a literature maestro, William Wordsworth, and has become a regular feature of Australian festival calendar for more than a decade. If you are planning to attend the 2017 extravaganza, charter a party bus for an entertaining ride to the Bay!
History
The tradition began way back in the beginning of millennium, when the first ever event took place in the year 2001. The party shifted to the Byron Bay in NSW, for a major part after its inauguration and has permanently become the landmark festival of the region. Only in the years 2010-11, it was held at Woodford in Queensland, while the organising committee made an extra endeavour to gain grounds for a new venue around 30 Kilometres from Byron Bay, at the North Byron Parklands in Yelgun. The festival came back home to Byron Bay in 2012 at the Belongil Fields, followed by one at the Byron Parklands in 2013, which drew a lot of controversy among local community and festival goers.
The festival was a joint venture and promotion by the Secret Service and Village Sounds music companies, and the first show was hosted in the year 2001 as a 1-day get-together to cater winter season in Australia. This was a time when a very few festivals of this character was existent in the country. In 2002, the festival became a 2-day event, and as of now, it has become the largest music festival in the country with a capacity of thousands in a 3-day festival. It won the award for favourite line up at the FasterLouder Festival Award in 2009. The event name has been inspired by the Ode: Intimations of Immortality by poet William Wordsworth.
Objective Behind The Event
Over the past decade or so, Splendour has been a leading event in Australian calendar, when it comes to dealing with carbon emission issues. They have taken extra measures to tackle emissions generated by the people travelling to the event as well as emissions created by the production of this high-octane festival. Reduction strategies have been taken for pedal power, shuttle buses, car pooling and public transport, resulting in greenhouse gas offset of 2814 tonnes over the past few years.
In the year 2009, they introduced a few policies to steer the festival:
- Turn Off and Save Policy ( conducting the event in a sustainable way)
- Transport Policy (reducing transport related issues)
- CO2 Emissions Policy (outlining strategic measures for reduction of CO2 emission)
Festival Vibes
Embracing the breathtaking natural scenery of the region, the festival has a relaxed ambiance, and is perfectly suited for someone in your 20s, although there is no age to rejoice music. There is certainly some drug use and booze, but it’s equally accessible for a relaxed festival goer. While the region attracts plenty of youth and tourism activities, due to being held in an off season, the precinct becomes more exclusive. Beyond the main stage for the event, there are several other stages to watch out for!
Tipi Forest
Just like its name, the tipi forest stage has a wooded style decor in a forest setting where party-goers can go wild over electronic music.
Global Village
This secluded area is especially for those looking to indulge in learning circus moves or performing art activities. A diverse mix of performers and musicians organise workshops to cater the revellers.
Splendour Forum
This socially alert zone is dedicated for live comedy, documentary screenings and live discussions about sensitive issues.
Hop over to the Smirnoff Cocktail Bar for some drinks and dance, or hone your musical skills in a special music workshop session at the Red Bull Music Academy. Mexican Cantina is the place to enjoy some reggaeton beats, hot salsa and other South American fare, while you see the buskers perform at the Buskers Stage.
About The Byron Bay
Home to this iconic festival, the Byron Bay Region demands applause for a complete transformation from hippy town to a swanky northern settlement in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. While the town centre of the Bay has become a backpackers place, the queer communities and fire twirlers can still be found a little distance away.
What makes this region most popular among other suburbs is the fact that 3 massive music festivals take place in the area, including Falls Festival over the New Year, Bluefest in April and Splendour in the Grass in July. The year-round feel of a holiday spot encourages the locals to set up AirBnB hosts and side-gigs. So whether you are looking to stay in a shed at the back of fairy garden in Mullumbimby or want a frontal surf beach bungalow in Lennox Head, your requirements will be catered to.
The dining and hospitality scene of this region is worth all the appreciation and the biggest reason why they host some major music festivals in the country. The panoramic view of the beaches and sparkling blue waters from the lighthouse grabs the attention, while the sub-tropical rainforests are a breeding ground for adventures.
2017 Line Up
The annual music festival 2017 is all set to take place from 21st to 23rd of July, with the line-up already announced for the big day. Sigur Ros, LCD Soundsystem, The xx and The Queens of the Stone Age will be leading the show. Also playing are Julien Baker, Maggie Rogers, Pond, Real Estate, Bonobo, Royal Blood, Cut Copy, Future Islands, Father John Misty, Schoolboy and HAIM. Other confirmed acts include LANY, Bag Raider, The Lemon Twigs, Bishop Briggs, Julia Jacklin, Oh Wonder, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Lil Yachty, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Vance Joy, George Ezra, Tove Lo, BANKS and Two Door Cinema Club.