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SECRET SOUNDS PRESENTS THE 27TH ANNUAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
HALSEY (ONLY AUS SHOWS) • VAMPIRE WEEKEND • DISCLOSURE PEKING DUK • OF MONSTERS AND MEN • PNAU • LEWIS CAPALDI • WHAT SO NOT MILKY CHANCE • JOHN FARNHAM • BANKS (ONLY AUS SHOWS) • DOPE LEMON VERA BLUE • YUNGBLUD • G FLIP • CROOKED COLOURS • PARCELS THELMA PLUM • #1 DADS • WAAX • PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS BAKER BOY • AMYL & THE SNIFFERS • THE JAPANESE HOUSE PINK SWEAT$ • GOOD DOOGS • CXLOE • TOTTY • PLUS LOADS MORE FESTIVAL CAMPING INCLUDING FLASH CAMP & RENT A TENT • COMEDY MAKERS MARKETS • ECLECTIC ARTS • POP UP BARS & BEER GARDENS FOOD TRUCKS & GLORIOUS GOURMET FARE • YOGA & WELLBEING COOL WATER PARK & LOADS OF OTHER AWESOMENESS
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Contents
Image by Kane Hibberd
Page 58
Riverboats Music Festival
Page 50
Good Things
Image by Duncographic
Page 44
Loch Hart Music Festival
Page 48
Strawberry Fields
Page 54 Page 62
The Town
Woodford Folk Festival
Festival season has arrived Can you hear that? It’s the sound of beer cans clanking, birds chirping, bands roaring and laughter ringing. Festival season is here and aren’t we all overwhelmingly excited. Don’t know about you but I’m getting visions… of beersbee sessions, cigarette rolling tuitions and of fresh cut green grass (no, not the naughty variety). There’s everything here – country forays, rock’n’roll extravaganzas, electronic expeditions, food, food and more food, and a bunch of killer festivals putting their foot forward for a more sustainable world; because it’s about time. As we dial up the excitement, take a ride with us through our Ultimate Festival Guide. It’ll give you everything you need to hit that first fest at full tilt. Do yourself a favour.
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Bluesfest
33 34 36 38 40 42
EDITOR, TOM PARKER
44 46 52 54
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Coopers Blues Music Festival A punter’s guide to perfecting the music festival Darebin Music Feast, Born In Geelong The Lost Lands Open Spaces, Dogapalooza Jamaican Music & Food Festival, Melbourne Music Week Loch Hart Music Festival Polish Festival Strawberry Fields Festival X, Good Things
56 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68
Winefolk Inverloch Sounds of Summer Woodford Folk Festival, UNIFY Gathering Falls Festival Party In The Paddock Riverboats Music Festival Tamworth Country Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival CMC Rocks Bluesfest The Town 15 years of Gage Roads Brewing Co. Festival index 2019 - 2020
Coopers Blues Music Festival SUNDAY OCTOBER 20
Jimi Hocking Image by Alana Young
WHO?
Hosting the very best in blues that Australia has to offer, this year’s all-star lineup boasts the likes of Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, Blue Sunday, Rod Paine & The Full Time Lovers, Dreamboogie, The McNamarr Project, T.K. Reeve, John Williams Doubleshot Of Blues, Victor Cripes, Julian James, Paulie Bignell & The Thornbury Two, Wayne Jury & Iseula, Justin Yap & Rambal, Isiah B Brunt and the Melbourne and Sydney Youth In Blues.
WHERE?
Coopers Blues Music Festival will relocate to The Paddock at Melbourne’s Federation Square this year.
THE HISTORY
Now in its eighth year, the festival is undergoing some changes for this iteration. Formerly known as Docklands Blues Music Festival, the event has taken on a new name to reflect its change of scenery. Throughout the years, the festival has welcomed a vast range of local blues heroes to its various stages across a massive day of non-stop tunes. Originally devised as a way to drive punters to Docklands while celebrating Australia’s rich blues scene, the festival’s new home in the city’s centre paired with its $0 entry fee will surely have eager music-lovers herding to its stages this year.
WHAT SETS COOPERS BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL APART
It’s free! Seriously, how rare is it to find a free music festival? Not only does this allow for a more relaxed vibe, but it means your wallet is a little fuller than it would be if you’d splashed three digits on tix, so you don’t have to say no to enjoying the novelties – like carnival rides – or pass on grabbing another drink from the bar. As well as being budget friendly, Coopers Blues Music Festival is committed to showcasing Australian artists big and small – all that counts is the quality of their music.
THE VIBE
The festival’s free entry reinforces its “Everybody welcome” policy. With nostalgic carnival rides, food trucks and loads of licensed venues to help you wet your whistle, Coopers Blues Music Festival isn’t restricted to blues lovers. Bring the whole family and make a day of it; there’s something fun for everyone.
A FEW TIPS
With 11 hours of live music on the agenda, it’s a big day, so pace yourself – especially if you hope to still be standing when the final set rolls around. If you can’t make it along, the festival will be broadcast live on 3NRG Sunbury Radio 99.3FM – also available on the Tunein app – to quash your FOMO.
GETTING THERE
Conveniently located in the heart of the CBD at Federation Square, you can easily make your way to Coopers Blues Music Festival by public transport. Flinders Street Station is right across the road and there is no shortage of trams zipping past at any time. Otherwise, take advantage of the nearby Wilson’s Federation Square Car Park – it’s just a short walk away – though if you’re thinking about taking advantage of the festival’s bars, you may want to opt for the train or the tram over driving.
TICKETS
This is a free event. For more about Coopers Blues Music Festival, head to bluesmusicfestival.com.au.
KIX
THE HOTTEST COUNTRY
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
A punter’s guide to perfecting the music festival BY TOM FISHER
Winter isn’t coming. It’s over, and boy are we glad. Spring is here, the grass is green, and the sun is beckoning. The dark, cold void that is the middle of the year, where your only highlight may or may not be your tax return, has blossomed into a time of adventure, of long days and even longer nights – festival season. Here at Beat HQ we’re a little excited, so we have decided to knock up a guide for all you festival goers out there. Whether you’re hitting up Meredith, Falls Festival, Beyond The Valley, or any other festival, this is for you.
You’re gonna need a costume It’s festival time and you wanna get a little weird. Embrace it, you don’t wanna be that person wearing that Cotton On festival shirt. Sorry Cotton On, but nothing screams self-expression less than a mass produced shirt worn by half the punters out there. So hit up your local op shop and pick out something strange. Or even pick a theme. Wouldn’t it be great to see Marty and the Doc rolling around your festival circuit, or Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine?
Build your castle If you’re heading to one of the two or threeday festivals, you’re gonna wanna build a little home away from home. Of course, you’ll need the necessities, a tent, something to sleep on, but also deck it out. Add some decorations, lights, a touch of flair; fly your flag and fly it proud. Maybe it will tie in with your costume. Don’t forget to take it all home with you, though.
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Early bird gets the worm Festival set times are interestingly swayed and often artists and bands can seem randomly placed within the schedule. There’s always a few diamonds in the rough, with many of the early performers not billed accordingly because of lack of talent, but rather lack of attention or exposure. Put simply, not as many people know about them yet. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check them out; head on down early and you could find a new fave.
Get your festival playlist in shape Start chipping away at that festival playlist early. For the road trip with your friends on the way there, for the early anticipation whilst setting up your castle, for the 5am conversations you might not remember. Impress your friends, and your friends yet to be made. Yeah, it’s probably going to include ‘Blue Monday’ at some point. Here’s a tip: throw in a few tracks from those performing at the festival then go bananas elsewhere.
Set the tempo and pick your poison While the festival vibe is one of freedom with fewer limits than ol’ normal square society, it’s advisable to set a good drinking tempo that’ll keep you up and about, but not passed out in a field. Because hey, it is about the music after all, and you don’t want to crash and miss your favourite artist, or your favourite artist yet to be discovered – there is a whole world of music out there in your little festival universe. Also if it’s BYO, pick your drinks wisely, remember it might be a solid three days of knocking ‘em back.
Food is your friend While you might wake up and crack straight into a cold one and begin to think you’re Hunter S. Thompson and can simply survive on an insane daily routine of alcohol (and whatever else!), you’re gonna crash. We as humans need food, and food is your friend. So check out the food available at the festival, you might find an epic vegie burger, a taco, or whatever floats your boat. Also, bring your own snacks too. On this nutritional note, don’t forget to bring lots of water (and drink it!).
Make a game of it
Stay cool
If you’ve got a little bit of spare time between the happenings of the festival, and the chat at your campsite is getting a little dull, how about some drinking games? A bit of beer pong, king’s cup, or have you tried beersbee? It’s a bit like a cross between beer pong and horseshoe, and you always have a drink in your hand, which is you know… nice. Maybe you’ll even coax some of your festival neighbourino’s over.
Lastly, while we encourage having the absolute time of your life, don’t forget there’s thousands of other punters around also trying to have the time of their life, and not to mention all the legends who work to make the festival experience possible. So stay cool, be respectful to the people and environment around you. If you see someone in a spot of bother, help them out, offer them that missing tent peg. Did you think this one was gonna be about avoiding too much sun? That too! And wear sunscreen!
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Darebin Music Feast:
Julitha Ryan
SUNDAY OCTOBER 20 – SUNDAY OCTOBER 27
To close out this year’s Darebin Music Feast, Swamplands Bar presents a special edition of its Sirens and Songs series. On Sunday October 27, Melbourne musicians Julitha Ryan and Mia Schoen will descend on the Thornbury venue to perform works from their respective solo repertoires. Ryan has been making and performing music in various capacities for more than 30 years. The Melbourne songwriter and multiinstrumentalist launched her solo career in the early years of this decade following the dissolution of the instrumental trio Silver Ray, with whom she released four records between 2001 and 2007. Ryan’s solo debut, The Lucky Girl, arrived in 2012, but she initially viewed it as a valedictory release. Ryan returned with her second full-length, The Winter Journey, in 2017 as well the instrumental mini-album, Beach, indicating a turnaround in her outlook. “Even though I might seem outwardly quiet, I always seem to have a few things on the boil,” Ryan says. “I wrote some music with one of my Italian co-musicians, so I’ve been working on that, trying to finish off a recording we started. Also I did an electronica album that came out earlier this year with Hugo Race. That group is called Gemini 4.”
The Winter Journey is a collection of deftly-wrought chamber pop originals that came together in a fairly unconventional manner. Ryan teamed up with Italian producer Giovanni Calella in Milan before returning to Melbourne and calling on engineer Andrew ‘Idge’ Hehir to help her complete the record via email. “I think it sounds coherent,” says Ryan. “It was a fairly new thing for me to be sitting on emails at midnight living this half life here and my imagination’s in another time zone. There was quite a few months of toing and froing.” The process was made even more difficult by the fact Calella speaks very little English, while Ryan’s Italian is “non c’è male”. “It was very intense because he would send me things and here I am, alone in my little house in winter, trying to imagine the best way to describe to him what I think something should sound like,” she says. “Google Translate can only take you so far, so that was quite a process.” The making of The Winter Journey was sometimes fraught and involved many hours spent beseeching multitrack sessions to download, but Ryan feels immense fondness for the finished product. “When I look back I think it was an
Julitha Ryan
amazing process, really,” she says. “The [Italian] musicians I know very well, I’ve toured with them four times, but Giovanni I didn’t know so well. But he understood. He was right into it straight away and he brought a totally different perspective to it, which I loved.” Dating back to the late 1980s, Ryan has collaborated with a number of Melbourne stalwarts, such as Hugo Race and Mick Harvey, as well as playing with The Dead Salesmen, Hope Addicts and enjoying acclaim as one third of Silver Ray alongside drummer Brett Poliness and guitarist Cam Butler. Her live performances tend to centre on her solo repertoire these days, and she continues to hold herself to a high standard. “The older I get, the more nervous I get. Not nervous in that I’m scared to get on stage; nervous about the quality of my performance. That’s what it comes down to. When I was younger there might’ve been other elements,
like it was a good night or there were 250 people. For me now it really comes down to, ‘How good was I?’. “My preparation for a gig has become more intense, perhaps because my quality control is higher. I don’t mind the effort, but it can be stressful. It’s not going to 150 per cent all the time, but if there’s anything I have control over I’m going to try and beat my last personal best.” BY AUGUSTUS WELBY
Julitha Ryan performs for Sirens and Songs which goes down as part of Darebin Music Feast on Sunday October 27. DMF itself takes over Melbourne from October 20 – 27. Head to musicfeast.com.au for lineup info and tickets.
Born In Geelong (B.I.G Festival) SATURDAY OCTOBER 26 WHERE?
A celebration of all things Geelong, B.I.G will take over the city’s beloved Little Creatures Brewery, located at 221 Swanston St, Geelong.
WHO?
A true testament to all things homegrown, the B.I.G lineup features an array of Australian acts. Leading the pack, catch Brisbane indierock darlings Ball Park Music as they rip through their catalogue of danceable rock anthems. They’ll be joined by Adelaide pop/ rap hybrid Allday, singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Alex Lahey and Melbourne rock legends British India, as well as Didirri, Alice Ivy, Ro and PLANET.
up your ‘do at the Resident Barber stall, learn a little about your tipple at a Meet The Brewer Beer Workshop and check out the B.I.G Markets to stock up on some goodies. B.I.G have also partnered with KROCK in a bid to find the best up-and-coming talent Geelong has to offer. The winner will perform on the KROCK B.I.G Sessions stage alongside some of Geelong’s best live acts.
FOOD AND DRINK
Set to attract over 4,000 punters to its Geelong site, the festival offers a boutique vibe while remaining B.I.G at heart. With ten hours of live music and lots to see and do, this is the perfect day out for lovers of beer and music alike.
B.I.G are putting their best foot forward by showing off some of the city’s best food and drink makers, so you certainly won’t go hungry. Award-winning chef Aaron Turner will be dishing out tasty bites from his Nashvillestyle eatery The Hot Chicken Project while Wah Bah will be serving up fresh, stacked bao buns. If you’re still peckish after all that, let Wildfire BBQ stoke your hunger with their assortment of mouth-watering smoked meats. Wash it all down with a few pints of Little Creatures and you’ll be head over heels for Geelong before you know it.
WHAT SETS B.I.G APART
WHAT TO BRING
THE VIBE
Utilising every inch of the brewery, B.I.G will see each laneway and corner of Little Creatures filled with something exciting. Tidy
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B.I.G is a cashless event, so be sure to bring your card and don’t bother stopping by an ATM on your way. With ten hours of live
Ball Park Music
music set to go down, you’ll want to wear some comfortable shoes – there’s bound to be some boogying. Seeing that the festival is held inside a brewery, chances are you’ll be knocking back at least a couple of froths, so don’t come on an empty stomach and definitely don’t be a wanker on the piss.
SUSTAINABILITY
B.I.G Festival has partnered with Bettercup, a reusable cup company that aims to eradicate single-use plastics and waste from festivals, events and venues. Handy hint: the best way to ensure you hang onto your cup is to make
Alex Lahey
sure it’s never empty. If you break your cup, don’t worry! Bettercup repurpose any damaged or unwanted cups into other products, such as flower pots or wheelie bins.
TICKETS
Tickets are $89, available now via Oztix. Grab your tickets and find out more about Born In Geelong at bigfestival.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Eight reasons The Lost Lands is an unmissable treat FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1 – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
BY CARLA DE LA PAZ
The Lost Lands is back for another exciting year and this family-friendly event is sure to get the whole clan down for a boogie. Inspired by long weekend campouts, The Lost Lands provides a magical experience where families can bond and enjoy breathtaking performances together. If this sounds amazing to you, it’s probably because it is. Join us as we break down eight reasons why The Lost Lands should be at the top of your festival list as we approach November.
Fugazi Pizza
The beautiful location
Huge music lineup
Food, food, and more food
Illuminate yourself
Well, this one’s a no brainer. If you’re into lush gardens reminiscent of something from Alice in Wonderland, then you’re probably going to love the location. The Lost Lands is held at the magnificent Werribee Mansion, and this place just oozes magic. In and amongst castle-like buildings, this is the ideal place to chill out with friends and family on a landscape that is sure to take your breath away.
With some of the best Australian and international acts taking to the Werribee Mansion, it goes without saying that The Lost Lands music lineup is what makes this event so appealing. Across this three-day event, sensational acts like Sampa The Great, Gomez, Baker Boy and Regurgitator will be tearing up the stage. Make sure to put on your best dancing shoes because these acts are sure to get the crowd pumping.
Deep down, we are all gluttons at heart. That’s why the amazing food stalls set to grace The Lost Lands have made it onto our list. Whether you’re sweet or savoury there’s something for everyone here – Billy van Creamy will be bringing their delightful ice-cream concoctions to the fest while the ever-popular Fugazi Pizza will also be there… enough said. Make sure to hit up the Paella Truck and Bretzel Biz as well. YUM!
Is it a festival if there aren’t any market stalls? The Lost Lands is set to have a variety of unique stalls that’ll get you decked out for the day. If you’re feeling a little adventurous give Glitter Gypsy a visit – they’re sure to transform you into glittering disco queen. In addition, there will be jewellery courtesy of Yalang A Lang Jewels, selling handcrafted treasures while Balls For Your Mind will blow your brain with their selection of juggling equipment. Seriously, you can’t go wrong.
Glamp in style
Green machine
Bumper arts lineup
Studio Ghibli… Yes, please
How many people can say they’ve camped out at Werribee Mansion? If you’re planning on staying for a few days, why not camp out with some friends and family in style. For a luxurious camping experience, you should definitely try out glamping – with beautiful canvas bell tents and comfy pillows, you could have best seat in the house. Head to thelostlands.com.au for more info on the glamping options.
Everybody loves an environmentally-friendly event. The Lost Lands aims to be a leader in environmental sustainability by offering a range of compostable food and drink packaging. This festival takes great pride in their ‘leave no trace’ policy, which resulted in less than one per cent of contaminated waste last year. Fingers crossed for another successful year, let’s make this happen!
Apart from its spectacular music lineup, The Lost Lands has a wide range of events lined up for Arts & Wonder. From the energetic Circus Oz to the effervescent Katie Wright Dynamite, this festival is jam-packed with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. The Little Big Top will be bursting with some of the finest kids’ comedy and circus theatre acts throughout the event. So be sure to keep an eye out for these talented folks.
If this doesn’t sound like the most appealing thing on planet earth, we don’t know what does. As night falls on The Lost Lands, The Sleeping Bag cinema will come alive with a Studio Ghibli showcase where you can snuggle up with friends and family and indulge in the beloved Japanese films including, Ponyo, My Neighbour Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Best of all, it’s in the comfort of your very own sleeping bag.
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One-day, two-day and three-day tickets to The Lost Lands are available via thelostlands.com.au. Don’t sleep.
WITH
ARCHIE ROACH PAUL GRABOWSKY & SALLY DASTEY H H BAND OF BROTHERS H BENNY WALKER H H THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA (USA) H BOBBY ALU H CÒIG (CAN) H H COOL OUT SUN H C.W. STONEKING H DAN SULTAN H H THE EAST POINTERS (CAN) H EMILY WURRAMARA H FARA (SCOT) H H GINA WILLIAMS & GUY GHOUSE H GRACE PETRIE (ENG) H H JOHN McCUTCHEON (USA) H JUDITH OWEN (WALES) H KIERAN KANE & RAYNA GELLERT (USA) H THE LANGAN BAND (SCOT) H H MÃMÃ MIHIRANGI & THE MÃREIKURA (NZ) H THE MAES H H NEIL MURRAY H ORIEL GLENNEN H RHIANNON GIDDENS (USA) H H RUBY GILL H PATTY GRIFFIN (USA) H SARAH CARROLL & SHANNON BOURNE H H SIBUSILE XABA (SA) H SHANE HOWARD H THE SMALL GLORIES (CAN) H H SUSAN O’NEILL - SON (IRL) H STARTIJENN (FRA) H THIS WAY NORTH H H WILLIAM CRIGHTON H WILL KIMBROUGH (USA) H H YE VAGABONDS (IRL) H YOLANDA BROWN (UK) H YID! H & MANY MORE H
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EVENT: HARRY SHEARER INTRODUCES A MIGHTY WIND
EARLY BIRD & 2 DAY TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.portfairyfolkfestival.com
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13/10/19 4:26 pm
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Open Spaces SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9 – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10 WHERE?
Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford. Entry via the main gate on St Heliers Street.
WHO?
Expect an eclectic mix of artists at Open Spaces, including three-piece indie-dance outfit Haiku Hands whose genre bending sound incorporates hip hop, pop, dance and electronica. Other notable artists include DRMNGNOW, Elle Shimada, Hailey Cramer, Pookie, Parvyn, Danika Smith, HAYNCH, N’fa Jones and a stellar lineup of female-identifying DJs including Colette, Aucan Alias, Adriana, Imaxx, Mamacita Bonnita and Emelyne.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING
A picnic blanket and people to enjoy the day with.
HISTORY
Abbotsford Convent’s flagship program Open Spaces Festival is the biggest weekend of the year for the site and stands as a celebration of the Convent’s people and spaces. Abbotsford Convent occupies 6.8 hectares and, for over 100 years, provided shelter, food, education and work for tens of thousands of women and children who experienced poverty, neglect and social disadvantage. Today, it’s Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. You can find over 100 studios, two galleries, cafes, a classical
music radio station, a Steiner school and greenery to walk around in onsite.
VIBE
Open Spaces is an all-ages arts and music event, ideal for young kids, grandparents and anyone in between. Enjoy a relaxing weekend sprawled on the grass in the Convent’s beautiful gardens surrounded by its stunning heritage architecture. There’ll be art, children’s programs, creative workshops and demonstrations, roving performances, markets and food trucks, all on top of the amazing lineup of diverse music artists.
FOOD AND DRINK
Plenty of food truck options will be serving grub over the weekend, including Taco Truck, Billy van Creamy, Ghost Kitchen and Mabu Mabu. There’s also regular onsite eateries, such as Cam’s, Lentil As Anything, Convent Bakery and Kappaya. Two pop-up bars will also be open, so you can sip on a G&T while you soak it all in.
ARTS LINEUP
There’s a whole bunch of talented people performing and showcasing art installations for the festival, including Ngioka Bunda-Heath – the first Indigenous woman to graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance). You can also
see Narrm-Melbourne based artist Maddison Kitching who will be exhibiting his artwork which integrates ideas about Australian national identity. Leisa Shelton, Jake Potter, Mary Peacock, Rick Matear and other artists will also be there.
WHAT IF I NEED A BIT OF R&R?
The Convent’s WellBeing group will be available when you need a break from the action. You can get a massage, join a yoga or meditation session, plus there are one-on-one consultations. The Convent has a committed team of more than 20 highly qualified practitioners who will be there to support your spiritual, emotional and mental health.
carbon neutral. They use water-based, organic inks, recycled paper and sustainable base cloths. They are also partnered with carbon neutral’s Plant-A-Tree program, helping to restore local native flora and fauna.
TICKETS
Tickets are $5 per person, per day at the gate, with free entry for children under five and Companion Card holders. Find out more about Open Spaces at abbotsfordconvent.com.au.
SUSTAINABILITY
Get involved with arts and craft activities at the Convent’s workshops and open studios, including Ink & Spindle which is proudly
Dogapalooza SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10 WHERE?
Burnley Park, Richmond. Head east of the city to where the Yarra River separates Richmond from Hawthorn. It’s there, just off Swan St, that you’ll find the open green fields of Burnley Park. A favourite spot for dog owners on any given Sunday, it’ll become SouthEastern Australia’s doggie mecca on Sunday November 10.
Grisold. Next up are folk duo GraceJean, who’ll be performing songs from their debut LP, Long Black Road. Rising soul and R&B musician Sophia Brown will shake things up in the early afternoon before Liona Tatafu brings it home with a set of neo soul that draws influence from Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Allen Stone, Beyoncé, Kimbra, Matt Corby and more.
EXPLAIN THE NAME
WHAT CAN I FEAST ON?
British comedian and podcaster Adam Buxton begins every episode of his podcast by taking his dog Rosie out for a walk and often chatting to her while doing so. He makes a point of referring to Rosie as his “dog friend”, which is a subtle but significant distinction. Rosie isn’t a possession, something he owns and controls – she’s his friend, companion and confidante. That’s the sort of relationship Dogapalooza encourages between its visiting humans and their furry pals. Big and small, slobbering and yapping, clumsy and elegant – it’s a gathering of dogs and their human friends. While the event wants to welcome as many dogs as possible, organiser Abby Gee has a tip for anyone clinically dog obsessed: “Leave your dog at home so you can love on everybody else’s dog with two free hands.”
WHO’S PLAYING?
The live music starts at 11:15am with Melbourne indie folk singer-songwriter Amie
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There’ll be a whole stack of food trucks servicing Burnley Park on the day. These include Woking Amazing, Jerry’s Vegie Burgers, G.Free Donuts, Dr Hofmann’s Pizza, Pookie May Coffee, Let’s Waffle ‘n’ Shake, Quintessence Patisserie. The fine folks from Moon Dog Brewery will be dutifully dishing out beer.
THE CAUSE
Along with the doggie ogling, the neo soul and R&B reverberating from the main stage, and the bounty of food and beverages, Dogapalooza exists to raise funds for the anti puppy farming campaign, Oscar’s Law. The campaign’s mission centres on three core aims: to stop the factory farming of pups, to prohibit the sale of puppies in pet shops and to advocate for adoption and responsible pet ownership. Its namesake, Oscar, spent the first five years of his life being exploited as a stud dog
and living in a small pen with 80 other dogs. Oscar was rescued and has been rehabilitated and returned to good health, but the psychological impact of this sort of treatment is difficult for many dogs to recover from. Proceeds from Dogapalooza will also go towards Puppy Tails, Melbourne Animal Rescue, Kayas Mission, Stafford Rescue, and a number of other non-dog specific second tier beneficiaries across the country and the Australasian region.
VIP
If you’re feeling fancy, the VIP ticket package scores you access to a fenced off area opposite the stage with the best view in the house, as well as VIP toilets and an exclusive shaded area if your dog’s not interested in working on its tan. Also included is a meet and greet with Oscar’s Law’s inspiring namesake
and MC Walt Collins, plus a Dogapalooza stubbie holder and a free Moon Dog beer. TICKETS
First and second release tickets for this year’s fifth edition of Dogapalooza sold out in a hurry. Adult final release tickets are on sale now for $39.80, which is a steal considering it’s a notfor-profit event. Concession tickets are going for $23.50, children’s for $13.30, and kids under 4 get in free. So do dogs. All prices include booking fees. If you decide to rock up on the day, adults will have to pay $45. Find out more about Dogapalooza at their Facebook page. Tickets are flying – grab them before they’re gone via Oztix.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Jamaican Music and Food Festival SUNDAY NOVEMBER 10 & SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 WHERE?
The festival takes place at the glorious Seaworks in Williamstown. Parking is limited and public transport is a much better bet. For something different, you can even hop on a ferry from Southbank. This year will also see JMFF hit Sydney for the first time ever, where it will take over the Greenwood Hotel.
WHO?
This one-day festival offers a huge selection of musical styles including ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub, dancehall, jungle and rub-a-dub. Headliners at this year’s event include Mad Professor (UK), Richie Stephens (Jamaica), Masia One (Singapore) Flames Eye (Jamaica), Deadly Dragon Sound System (US) and Gardna (UK). In addition to a range of international guests, JMFF will also feature sets from The Push Reggae Band, Gaia The Band, Shanty Town, Jaspora, Moonhops, Jah Tung, Mohair Slim, Jake Savona, Adrian’s Wall, Heartical Hi Powa, and loads more.
WHAT TO BRING
November is a little unpredictable as far as weather goes, so check the forecast and
pack accordingly – whether it’s a raincoat or sunscreen. But no matter what the weather brings, a hungry belly and dancing shoes are compulsory.
BYO?
No outside food or drink will be allowed in the festival. But with over 30 food, drink and other traders, why would you want to bring your own?
THE HISTORY
Now in its fourth year, JMFF is organised by Australia Reggae Radio and radio/DJ legend, Stick Mareebo, with support from Hobsons Bay Council. The festival is supported by the local Jamaican and Caribbean community organisations and businesses through the Festival Friends network. The festival is consistently a hit with punters – over 10,000 attended last year.
WHAT ELSE?
This year, JMFF will have a carnival rides and bumper cars for kids (and some of the big kids). There will also be face-painting and a photo booth to keep the littlest festival goers entertained.
Melbourne Music Week
HOW DOES JMFF STAND APART FROM OTHER FESTIVALS?
JMFF is the only festival of its kind in Australia; one for people who truly love reggae and Jamaican culture. Organisers also want festival attendees to meet and make new friends when they come along.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
There will be a costume parade at 3pm on the day, so dress-ups are definitely encouraged.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Masia One, a Singaporean/Canadian dancehall singer – you have to see it to believe it. But also, make sure you don’t miss dub legend The Mad Professor.
TICKETS
Early bird tickets are now sold out, but remaining tickets are $35 per person, free for kids under ten (but you have to book), $25 for concession card holders and $90 for a family ticket that includes two adults and two juniors (aged 10-17). ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES JMFF
Red Stripe, the real Jamaican Beer. VOLUNTEERING
If you’re interested in volunteering, please call Stick Mareebo on 0433110995. For tickets and more on JMFF, head to jmff.com.au.
Sunshine & The Disco Faith Choir, image by Kane Hibberd
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14 – SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23 WHERE?
A city-wide takeover, Melbourne Music Week envelopes the CBD across over 65 venues and 70 events.
WHO?
Boasting over 300 acts, the MMW program is a beast in and of itself. With a focus on fostering emerging talent, the festival is the perfect place to find your new favourite band. Featuring a mammoth offering of acoustic, electronic, experimental and experiential music, this year’s program welcomes the likes of DAF, Kittin, CC:DISCO!, Total Control, Robert Henke, Sarah Mary Chadwick, Stonefield, Body Type, U-Bahn, Kira Piru, Ausmuteants, Krown, Loose Tooth, Kllo, P-UniQue, Tiny Ruins, The Native Cats, HABITS, BATPISS, MzRizk and loads more.
THE HISTORY
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Melbourne Music Week. Over the past decade, MMW has championed Melbourne’s creative community by bringing emerging artists to stages across the city. Not only does MMW foster new talent, it consistently brings live music to unique spaces – from the former
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Royal Women’s Hospital to the depths of ACMI’s basement, nothing is off limits. Since it began, MMW has hosted over 2,500 acts and welcomed over 350,000 punters to its events. In its first year, the festival took over Birrarung Marr with its pop-up Hub – Kubik. Taking it back to where it all began, this year will see Kubik come alive once again. Constructed from industrial containers, illuminating its new home in Alexandra Gardens with a spectacle of softwarecontrolled LED lights, each responding to the beats it hosts, this truly is an outdoor music venue like no other.
THE VIBE
MMW sets the city abuzz in a celebration of Melbourne’s dedication to live music. As always, the festival looks beyond the way we typically experience live music in order to deliver performances which excite, perplex and surprise. A tribute to Melbourne’s creative community, there is no better time to mingle with your neighbours as you relish a shared love for this fine city and all it has to offer. Leave your expectations at home and enter with an open mind – you won’t be disappointed.
SUSTAINABILITY
MMW is committed to reducing its environmental impact and encourages punters to follow suit. This year, the festival’s Hub will be powered by 100 per cent renewable energy as well as reducing and offsetting carbon emissions across all events. MMW also looks to maintain a zerowaste Hub through ensuring any single-use item that can’t be eliminated is recyclable and nothing goes into landfill. The hub will also rely on 100 per cent captured stormwater from within the city which will be returned to water storages to irrigate Melbourne’s parks and gardens after the festival has run its course.
Additionally, MMW will serve its drinks in reusable cups with no straws. They’ve also reduced the number of printed programs by 40 per cent and ensured that the physical programs that do exist were printed on 30 per cent recycled paper content. TICKETS
The program spans 70 events, with tickets available at mmw.melbourne. vic.gov.au. Grab your tickets and find out more about Melbourne Music Week at mmw.melbourne.vic.gov.au.
17
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Loch Hart Music Festival FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15 - SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17
WHERE?
Kangaroobie Camp Ground, Great Ocean Road, Princetown. Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Kangaroobie combines farm, beach, and bush with uninterrupted views of the coastline and Gellibrand River from its paddocks. Nestled on the Great Ocean Road and just a stone’s throw away from the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, Kangaroobie is all things Loch Hart; lazy days and happy nights in the fresh coastal air.
WHO?
At the top of the lineup, Loch Hart Music Festival will be presenting bonafide darlings of Australian indie-pop, Alpine. They’ll be in excellent company, flanked by co-headliner and local legend Didirri who was born and bred just a stone’s throw from the festival site in nearby Warrnambool. Back from a worldwide tour, Didirri is ready to serenade you as the sun sets over the ocean on the iconic Shipwreck Coast. Artist-producer Alice Ivy, another of the Victorian Surf Coast’s most celebrated musical exports, will be bringing the beats to perform her enviable back catalogue and killer collaborations. Hip hop impresario Genesis Owusu, who’s been fast earning a reputation for his spine-tingling festival performances, will be
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making the trek down from Western Sydney to mark the occasion. Also, hitting the stage will be Baked Beans, Chook & Moluck (DJ), Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, Cry Club, Edd Fisher (DJ), Forever Son and Francesca Gonzales. The Grogans will also perform alongside Hold//Fire, Leslie D. King, Melon Bois, The Pretty Littles, Memphis LK (DJ), Moaning Lisa, Pirra, Ruby Gill, The Senegambian Jazz Band, Traffik Island, and Zuma. If you’re looking for a laugh break, look no further than legendary funny man and former triple j host, Alex Dyson, who will be gracing the stage come comedy hour.
WHAT TO BRING
THE VIBE
SUSTAINABILITY
Loch Hart brings you exciting acts from all around Australia, tasty culinary treats, boutique craft beer bar plus a BYO setup, with relaxed vibes, all set on a beautiful coastalcountry property on the Great Ocean Road. The festival is a place where you can unwind, escape the daily grind, and discover amazing live music. The festival was founded to showcase local up-and-coming Australian talent and show off the beautiful Great Ocean Road region. The vibe is chill, the music is infectious, and the scenery is sure to inspire. Loch Hart wants to be a festival where you can go home feeling rejuvenated and refreshed – there’s daily yoga and art events to get you back up and about if your energy crashes.
Kangaroobie is heavy on the paddocks and right on the coast, so don’t let that chilly sea breeze drift in and ruin your night – bring something warm so you don’t peak while the sun’s out. You’ll also need essentials such as: proof of ID, a tent that works, sleeping bag and pillow, torch, and a folding chair. Sunglasses are also a must, alongside closed toe shoes, a towel, sunscreen, and bug repellent – to ward off those humongous bush-quitoes. It’s BYO but don’t bring any glass inside the festival – pour your spirits into those empty vegemite jars you’ve been storing for this very reason.
Loch Hart is committed to reducing its environmental impact and every decision is made while being conscious of the planet. Some of the initiatives to be implemented by the festival include engaging with Bettercup to limit single-use plastic throughout the site, providing free drinking water, and ensuring all our food vendors use compostable packaging.
GLAMPING
Under Sky is excited to provide pre-pitched tent camping options at Loch Hart Music Festival this year, for those who would like more comfort with much less effort. Simply arrive, check into your tent and enjoy the
festival. Choose between an affordable, simple package or turn it up a little with the luxe package – complete with linen, furnishings, a rug and a mirror. Two person, three person, and four person tents are available.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Didirri’s beautiful voice echoing out over the ocean will be hard to beat. The comedy hour featuring former triple j breakfast radio host and bonafide ratdog, Alex Dyson, is also set to be spectacular.
TICKETS
$200 – $220 depending on release. Grab your tickets and find out more about Loch Hart Music Festival at their website, lochhart.com.
RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Echuca-Moama | February 14-16 2020
BERNARD FANNING KATE MILLER-HEIDKE
SOMETHING FOR KATE • TROY CASSAR-DALEY ARCHIE ROACH • DYSON STRINGER Cloher ROBERT FORSTER • BOB EVANS MAMA KIN SPENDER • AINSLIE WILLS HORNS OF LEROY FEAT. THANDO MATT JOE GOW • JESS LOCKE MC Brian Nankervis
GARAGE DOOR
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Polish Festival SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17
WHERE
Taking over Federation Square, the Polish Festival will transform Melbourne’s central space into Little Warsaw.
THE HISTORY
Now in its 15th year, the Polish Festival will once again expose Melburnians to Polish culture in a huge celebration of the European country’s entertainment, hospitality and cuisine. It’s been some 200 years since the first Polish migrant landed on Australian shores, with 200,000 Poles having joined since. The Polish Festival aims to look at how the Poles have contributed to the Australian landscape over the past two centuries. Not only is this an opportunity for Polish people to embrace their roots without having to return to their homeland, it provides people from a range of cultural backgrounds with a glimpse at Polish tradition in order to foster a cultural understanding. Having survived against the odds in war, Poles are incredibly proud of their country and are humble and hospitable as such. There’s a special generosity here. The festival continues to grow year after year and regularly attracts over 50,000 people. It’s become Australia’s largest annual Polish not-for-profit community event which is a testament to the organisers who put
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together the event. Magda Szubanski has been a special guest in the past. She appeared at the 2015 iteration alongside her book, Reckoning, which explored her Polish roots and the harrowing details of her father’s experience in Poland during WWII. Volunteers play a huge part of the occasion as well – the Melbourne Polish community is made up of incredibly generous individuals giving their time to their heritage. Former president of Polish Festival Inc. and Order of Australia medal recipient, Jan Szuba, has been quintessential to the festival’s rise and once shared his thoughts on the importance of the event’s volunteers. “The festival is without a doubt the largest annual Polish event in Australia and competes with other international events outside of Poland, a testament to the work of over 400 volunteers from the Melbourne Polish community.”
THE ACTIVITIES
THE VIBE
If you want to take a little slice of Poland home with you, take advantage of the unique shopping opportunities and get your hands on some handmade wares such as amber jewellery or Boleslawiec ceramics. Talented local artisans will also be displaying their stuff too. It will feel like Sukiennice (Krakow Cloth Hall) in no time.
The Polish Festival is all about celebrating cultural traditions. Activities across the festival range from performances by Polish language schools, folkloric and other entertainment groups, children’s activities, craft demonstrations, art exhibitions and much more.
Take a Polish dance class or sit back and see how it’s done with a range of dance and live music performances. Polonez and Lowicz dance troupes will fill the stage, featuring first and second generation Australians keeping in touch with their heritage. There’s an element of spontaneity to the Polish dance craft so don’t be surprised if there’s some random outbreaks of dance amongst the crowd – it’s the jolly way. The family friendly festival will also ensure that the kids don’t grow restless, with a whole heap of children’s activities to occupy their attention. There will be face painting as well as arts and craft activities that will teach the littlies how to make masks of Smok Wawelski – a famous dragon in famous folklore – as well as Wianki (wreath) making. They can even dress up in traditional Polish costumes and get snapped at the interactive photo booth.
TAKE SOMETHING HOME WITH YOU
FOOD & DRINK
Take your tastebuds to Poland with a delectable selection of pierogies – think Polish dumplings wrapped with unleavened dough; kielbasa – meat sausages and a staple of Polish cuisine; and bigos, a hunter’s stew containing sauerkraut, fresh shredded cabbage and chopped meat. You may have some difficulty wrapping your tongue around the names of these traditional delicacies, but you’ll have no trouble gobbling them down. Everyone knows the Poles love their alcohol, so make like a local and quench your thirst with a variety of Polish beers and vodka. Piwo is the top hop drop and will be the perfect accompaniment to your scrumptious food selections.
GETTING THERE
This will be happening right in the heart of the city at Fed Square, which is easily reachable by tram and train. Recommend leaving your car at home though.
TICKETS
This is a free event. For more on the Polish Festival, visit polishfestival.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Strawberry Fields FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 – SUNDAY DECEMBER 1
Image by Duncographic
Image by Duncographic
WHERE?
Strawberry Fields takes place just across the Victorian border in New South Wales’ Tocumwal, approximately three hours from Melbourne by car.
WHO?
Strawberry Fields boasts an eclectic lineup of electronic, dance, and alternative artists featuring the likes of Adriana, Bob Moses, Briggs, CC:DISCO!, DRMNGNOW, Emma Donovan & the Putbacks, Gordon Koang, Mildlife, Milan Ring, Animals Dancing, Amadou Suso, Interstellar Fugitives, Millú, Wax’o Paradiso, Saoirse, The Merindas, Helena Hauff, Squid Nebula, Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange, Animals Dancing, Ausecuma Beats, Barney McAll, Cinta T, Claps, Derrick May, Details, Elle Shimada, Karate Boogaloo, Katie Drover, Moxie, Young Marco, and loads more. In addition to a mouth-watering music program, Strawberry Fields will also showcase visual arts and immersive installations by Blackstone Builds, Fulcrum Designs, General Zod, John Fish, Margaux Carpentier, Maximillian Malone, Marc Pascal, Minna Leunig, Mirage Motel, Nikita Shtepa & Karri McPherson, R Type L, Within_Space, and xxflos. Across the festival, you’ll also find an array of comedy and cabaret performances,
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including a special Saturday night comedy showcase with Blake Freeman, Felix Castaner and Nina Oyama, as well as dance, circus, poetry and just about everything else you could possibly imagine. There truly is something for everyone.
THE VIBE
The Strawberry Fields website says it all: “The smiles, the sunburn, the sky and the clouds. The strangers, the friends – both newfound and old. That long drive into the unknown, followed by dancing and inevitable laughter. Embarking on adventures through ghost gums, discovering an oriental tea lounge, a jazz quintet improvising on the beach or a disco legend unleashing funk and soul from a treehouse. Long days of wild river swimming and those quiet moments of reflection. “ These are the things that will define the greatest weekend of your life. Welcome to the wild world of Strawberry Fields.”
PARKING, CAMPING AND ACCOMMODATION
Camping is included in your ticket and RVs, caravans, tents and tepees are all welcome.
BYO?
Strawberry is fully BYO with a strict no glass policy. If you bring glass, it will be confiscated and not returned.
SUSTAINABILITY
Unlike some venues who claim to be environmentally sustainable, Strawberry is 100 per cent committed to the cause, in all aspects of the festival, and it’s bloody fantastic to see. Not only are they offering subsidised Strawberry shuttle buses from Melbourne and Sydney, they also have a courtesy bus running from Tocumwal to the festival site for those opting for public transport. For those wanting a more bougie alternative, Strawberry Fields has also made it possible to get private bus passes so you can charter a private bus for you and your mates. Along with environmentally friendly transport options, Strawberry is going to ‘wash against waste’. This means that single-use plastics are banned and every plate, cup, bowl used will be made from 100 per cent reusable crockery – meaning it can be washed and reused. Why haven’t other festivals thought of this? In place of single-use plastics, biodegradable materials will also be used. Bottled drinks are not available for sale, but free water will be available from taps around the venue (say goodbye to $10 festival bottles of water). All rubbish onsite will be sorted into recycling, landfill and donation. The festival will also offer a permaculture course with world class facilitators, which you
Image by Jackson Grant
can buy as a package with the ticket (these are still for sale). Earth Warriors, a peer based environmental group, will also be roaming the campgrounds, encouraging people to clean up their act. They even have the authority to kick people out if they refuse to do so. Electricity at the festival is fuelled by biodiesel/sustainable power and all toilets are composting.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Bob Moses. The Vancouver-bred duo consisting of Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance will be meshing guitar licks, a moody smoulder and a dash of dance floor ambience with lyrical depth. The duo have dominated Glastonbury, Coachella, Ellen, and now Strawberry.
TICKETS
Tickets for this year’s festival have sold out, but there’s still hope. Sign up to Strawberry Fields’ official resale waitlist at strawberry-fields.com.au for a chance to nab tix. For more about Strawberry Fields, head to strawberry-fields.com.au.
ival n r a C
Sat 9 Nov 7pm till late Migration Museum Kintore Avenue, Adelaide
$10 presale $20 on the door
Free*
with valid concession cards
Ringmaster Christian Hull Brendan Maclean | Lupa J | Leather Lungs | Flavella L’Amour | SaSamba BandDança Brazil | Aerialwings & lifeintheair | Helga Handfull | Drag Kings & Queens | Murderclown the Sane | DJ Josh & DJ Filip with an F
Tickets On Sale Now www.feast.org.au
*go to www.feast.org.au for Concession Card Info
27
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Festival X
Armin van Buuren
Alison Wonderland
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29, SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30 & SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 WHERE?
Festival X takes place at Melbourne Showgrounds, which is right next door to Flemington Racecourse. You probably went to the Showgrounds as a school kid to have a fang on the bumper cars at the Royal Melbourne Show. The grand pavilion is also home to the annual Supanova Pop Culture Expo and Stereosonic was held there up until its dissolution.
WHAT IS FESTIVAL X?
After nine years of operation, Stereosonic’s reign as Australia’s biggest touring electronic dance music festival came to an abrupt end in 2015. Well, we say abrupt, but the festival simply didn’t come back in 2016 and any details about its expected return were hard to find. You can let go of those concerns now, though, because the event organisers, Onelove Music Group, have teamed up with Australian electronic promoters par excellence, Hardware, and global bigwigs, Live Nation, to create Festival X. You might know Hardware from the Piknic Élektronik series, which will be back at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl from November ‘til February, and the Babylon festival, which hits the Victorian countryside in late Feb. Richie McNeill founded in Hardware in 1990 with the simple aim of bringing quality live music events
and parties to the masses. He’s been honouring that intention ever since, but Festival X is Hardware’s biggest venture to date. “We’re super excited to be working with Onelove again and the Live Nation team,” said McNeill. “[We’ve] put together an incredible mix of music in the electronic, pop and urban spaces.”
WHO?
McNeill is not kidding around when he said incredible – the weight of this lineup will give you a hernia. The headliners for Festival X version 1.0 are the world’s third highest earning DJ for 2019, Calvin Harris, Dutch trance trailblazer Armin van Buuren and hip hop’s hyperactive miscreant du jour, Lil Pump. Who else? In alphabetical order: Alison Wonderland, Anna Lunoe, Badrapper, Blueface, Camelphat, Cosmic Gate, Futurecode, Generik, Giuseppe Ottaviani (Live 2.0), Godlands, Kaz James, Kölsch, Marlo, MK (Marc Kinchen), Murda Beatz, Nic Fanciulli, Paul Kalkbrenner (Live), Ruben De Ronde, Sophiegrophy, Steve Aoki, Sunset Bros., Tchami, Thandi Phoenix, Trippie Redd and Vini Vici.
WHAT ELSE?
Given the magnitude of the lineup, and just how bloody loud these acts are going to be,
Festival X will spread multiple stages across the Showgrounds. It’s a touring festival so all of the acts will be coming in hot to Melbourne after festivals in Brisbane on Friday November 29 and Sydney on Saturday November 30. There will be loads of food available onsite. It’s not BYO, but there will be bars dotted across the Showgrounds. Live Nation Australasia CEO Roger Field promises “a new and exciting festival experience”, with more details to be revealed as the countdown for Festival X intensifies.
VIP
The VIP X-Perience gives you access to the exclusive Festival X platform, one complimentary drink to be redeemed
at the festival bar, an exclusive Festival X merchandise item as well as access to a crowd-free dedicated merch stand, a dedicated cloak room, premium toilets and VIP entry. Festival X is a strictly 18+ event.
TICKETS
Tickets are available now from Ticketmaster. A standard ticket will set you back $179.95 while the VIP X-Perience costs $384.19. For tickets and more on Festival X, head to festivalx.com.au.
Good Things FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, SATURDAY DECEMBER 7 & SUNDAY DECEMBER 8 WHERE?
Melbourne will host Good Things at Flemington Racecourse, with Sydney welcoming the festival to its Centennial Park before it makes its way to Brisbane’s Showgrounds.
WHO?
Last year’s lineup was a tough act to follow, but Good Things have pulled a few tricks out of their sleeve once again with a program boasting a sweltering lineup of Australian and international talent. Leading the lineup are thrash metal lords Parkway Drive, joined by American pop-punk powerhouse A Day To Remember and Violent Soho in their only Australian live appearance of the year. Also on the bill, you can expect smashing sets from the likes of Simple Plan, Skegss, Bad Religion, Trivium, Simple Creatures, Karnivool, The Veronicas, Coheed and Cambria, Falling In Reverse, Enter Shikari, Dance Gavin Dance, Reel Big Fish, Poppy, Thy Art Is Murder, Ice Nine Kills, The Damned Things, Slowly Slowly, Man With A Mission, The Bennies, Voyager, Yours Truly, Windwaker, The Beautiful Monument and Gravemind.
THE HISTORY
With its inaugural event taking place in 2018, Good Things Festival is still in its infancy, but that’s not to say it doesn’t hold its own against
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the big boys of the festival scene. In fact, when Good Things made its debut last year, it came in swinging with a lineup featuring The Offspring, Stone Sour, All Time Low, Dropkick Murphys, Bullet For My Valentine, The Used, BABYMETAL and loads more killer acts. Not bad for a first timer. It’s no wonder Australian heavy and alternative music fans are clamouring for a second instalment. With a glowing 2019 lineup, Good Things seems to be on the up and up.
WHAT TO BRING
Be sure to come equipped with sensible shoes (there will be lots of stomping), a positive attitude and earplugs! There will also be free water stations located around the festival, so don’t forget your water bottle. The December heat can be brutal, so be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat and dress accordingly.
THE VIBE
A mecca for all things heavy and alternative, Good Things offers an inclusive environment for music lovers of all kinds. Open to punters 15 years and older, Good Things doesn’t discriminate against young music lovers. Though those under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult. In the spirit of ensuring nobody misses
Image by Kane Hibberd
out, Good Things looks to be as accessible as possible for all festivalgoers. As well as offering a viewing area at each stage area for those with special needs, there will also be toilets equipped for those living with disability around the festival site. If you require a carer to accompany you, they will receive free entry – provided they are a legitimate carer.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
The theme this year is crazy racing so get something racing related!
ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES GOOD THINGS Espresso martini with a VB chaser.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
The Wall of Death during The Veronicas will be unforgettable.
TICKETS
Tickets are $179.95 via Oztix. There is also an option to pay off your tickets over four $50 instalments if your bank account is looking a little too dry to handle it in one hit. Grab your tickets and find out more at goodthingsfestival.com.au.
BILLY CURRINGTON (USA) / BROTHERS OSBORNE (USA) / LEE KERNAGHAN LANCO (USA) / DUSTIN LYNCH (USA) / ADAM BRAND / TIM HICKS (CAN) HARDY (USA) / JIMMIE ALLEN (USA) / JEFFREY STEELE (USA) ABBY ANDERSON (USA) / RUNAWAY JUNE (USA) / THE WOLFE BROTHERS MITCHELL TENPENNY (USA) / KASSI ASHTON (USA) / CASSADEE POPE (USA) FELICITY URQUHART / JASMINE RAE / JORDAN BROOKER (USA) NIKO MOON (USA) / SEAFORTH / SARAH BUXTON (USA) / BRAD COX CHRISTIE LAMB / KAYLEE BELL (NZ) / CASEY BARNES CHARLIE COLLINS / ELL REGAN / DJ GRIZZLY ADAMS / DEE JAYE BUX Hosts STORME WARREN (USA) / MIKE CARR
18 . 19 MARCH - CAMPERS ONLY
20 . 21 . 22 MARCH 2020 WILLOWBANK, IPSWICH Tickets on sale TUESDAY 1 OCTOBER / More info CMCROCKS.COM
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Winefolk SATURDAY DECEMBER 7
The Cat Empire
WHERE?
The Briars, 450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha. It’s about an hours drive from Melbourne.
WHO?
Music kicks off at 2pm and runs until 8pm, with The Cat Empire, The Beautiful Girls, Ash Grunwald, Cookin’ On 3 Burners and Sun Salute all hitting the stage across the day.
VIP OPTIONS?
The Winefolk VIP Package includes a festival ticket and express check-in, access to the VIP Marquee with a private bar and lounge chairs, a wine garden, a VIP viewing area and private rest rooms between 1pm and 8pm. The VIP package also boasts a food and drinks package between 2pm and 8pm which includes Red Hill Estate’s full range of Cool Climate wines, a selection of local craft beer and cider, canapes, grazing platters and more substantial bites. An event-branded plastic wine glass on a lanyard is also included. Tickets are limited to 200, so get in quick if you don’t want to miss out.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING
First and foremost, bring your ticket and ID to ensure you get in, as well as cash and/ or cards for food and market stall goodies – there will be an ATM available on site. As always with outdoor festivals, you can never
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predict the weather. Prepare for rain, hail or shine by bringing a wide brim hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, flats (or block heels) and a raincoat and gumboots. The festival is a picnic style event, so pack a standard camping chair and/ or a picnic rug to ensure you’re comfortable and pack a blanket in case it cools down in the late afternoon. For the real picnic experience, food and sealed water or empty plastic bottles to fill up at designated water stations are permitted, though it’s worth taking advantage of the variety of food and drink available at the event. BYO alcohol is prohibited. Finally, bring a great attitude.
and musicians. Winefolk brings the class with their Cellar Door experience, offering tastings of Red Hill Estate’s full selection of high-end drops. You’ll also find market stalls and a glitter painting station. Running from 2pm to 8pm, the festival is a chance to enjoy an afternoon in the early summer (hopefully) sunshine with friends and family.
and body glitter stations to make you shine. But the showstopper snap is at the festival landmark: the GIANT bottle of Prosecco. The Wine Cellar (included in some ticket packages or available as an extra for $25) allows you to taste the full range of Red Hill Estate wines.
SUSTAINABILITY
If you’re driving, free parking is available onsite at The Briars, though the event organisers recommend making use of the Banana Bus instead. Three bus routes are available: Blue – North Melbourne/CBD/South East Suburbs Yellow – Preston/Kew/Hawthorn/Caulfield Green – Sorrento/Rye/Rosebud/Dromana
2019 is the first year of Winefolk Festival. Presented by Red Hill Estate, who are celebrating their 30th year, Winefolk will be held in collaboration with Scarlett Mac Events, the team behind Peninsula VineHop Festival, to bring a mix of nostalgic and fresh Australian talent to the stage.
Winefolk aims to eliminate single-use plastic. All patrons will receive a branded polycarb reusable glass (on a lanyard) for wine refills. Beer and cider will be sold in recyclable cans with recycling facilities available onsite. Food vendors are also encouraged to avoid single-use plastics. BYO water bottles are encouraged, with hydration stations available for refills.The VIP area features all compostable toilets. Winefolk have also partnered with Banana Bus to provide transport for patrons and reduce carbon emissions from selfdriving.
THE VIBE
MUST SEES
THE HISTORY
A boutique festival experience with a capacity of 6000 patrons which takes place in a stunning bushland setting, Winefolk is all about relaxing on a picnic blanket with friends and drinking quality wine and the Peninsula’s best craft beer and cider. There are also gourmet food selections from a wide variety of vendors and some of Australia’s best bands
While the festival boasts amazing talent across generations, The Beautiful Girls are absolute must-sees, with Winefolk one of their only Australian shows on the east coast for the next twelve months. Winefolk is here to help you maintain that strong ‘gram game, starting with the festival atmosphere, wine, quality Australian artists,
TRANSPORT
TICKETS
Ticket prices vary depending on the experience you’re after and how early you get onto making your booking. Tickets start at $96+BF for general admission. Early bird tickets have done their dash, but all other options are available at winefolk.com.au/tickets. Grab your tickets and find out more about Winefolk at winefolk.com.au.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Inverloch Sounds of Summer SATURDAY DECEMBER 28
WHERE?
Sounds of Summer takes place two hours from Melbourne’s CBD by car, in the coastal town of Inverloch at Thompson Reserve. If you love relaxing to music with the sound of waves crashing in the background, mixed with a bit of salt on your tongue and a familyfriendly atmosphere – the Sounds of Summer festival is for you. A complimentary shuttle bus within the township of Inverloch will be operating on the day, with three drop-off and pick-up points.
WHO?
Sounds of Summer provides a vibrant and social festival experience where the whole family can listen to some of Australia’s favourite artists. Expect to see Kate Ceberano, Daniel Shaw, Bustamento, Elly Poletti, and Alana Wilkinson.
PARKING
Where possible, Sounds of Summer encourages visitors and residents of Inverloch to walk to the venue. For ticket holders outside the area, there is limited off-street parking. Please be mindful of residents around the reserve and make sure you park legally to avoid any fines from enforcing officers.
WHAT TO BRING?
The benefit of being a one-day festival is that you don’t need to lug a tent and survival essentials to the Sounds of Summer. This ensures you’ll have plenty of energy to bring your best singing voice and dancing shoes. Hot tip: pack a picnic rug to lounge about on when your legs need a break from all that dancing. Also, as we know, the Aussie sun can be harsh, so don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
THE VIBE
Sounds of Summer is the perfect event for your little one’s first festival. The one festival this summer where you can pack your toddler, teenagers and your nana. Sounds of Summer prides itself on being a family-friendly music, food, and wine festival where you get the chance to relax and enjoy the sounds of local and national musicians and the tastes of festival fare and local wine. The event showcases the natural beauty, creative talents and unique character of the Bass Coast and broader Gippsland region. The festival has been thoughtfully curated to attract families and to relish the cultural delights at the region’s doorstep. The festival is born to bring families from across Victoria to experience the beautiful Bass coastline for all to enjoy.
VIP
This year, Sounds of Summer introduces the VIP Marquee. Enjoy the VIP experience inside the gorgeous marquee, it will have its own bar and you’ll receive a complimentary drink on arrival. It’s a fun and beautiful space to chill out between dancing, singing and socialising – you might even bump into some of the festival’s artists. The VIP marquee is for 18+ patrons only.
PERKS
Hide away in the VIP tent while your teen tribe and little ones burn off some energy on the Mechanical Surf Board, Meltdown, Disco Dome, Adventure Tunnel, face painting, and lawn games – all included with entry and specially designed to give mums and dads a break.
FOOD + DRINK
When you need to re-energise after dancing your heart out and losing your child in the adventure tunnel, get yourself down to the Sounds of Summer Food & Wine Village. Satisfying your hunger and quenching your thirst will be Feast On Us, Street Eats, Fleming Berries, Ink-Credible Calamari, Vietnamese Food House, Bean There Drank That, Dirty Three Wines, Burra Brewing Co, as well as a full bar packed with all your favourite drops.
ONE TIP FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO A FESTIVAL
Be ready to have fun, sing, and dance. Bring a towel in case you feel like going for a dip in the beach.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Multi-ARIA award-winning artist Ceberano will bring the house down.
Kate
TICKETS
Adults – $60 + BF Seniors – $45 + BF Families (two adults & two kids) – $120 + BF VIP Marquee – $90 + BF Students – $15 + BF Children under five – free Naked Wines is offering a $100 Wine Voucher on all purchases made throughout October, so get in quick and book at inverlochsoundsofcummer.com.au. Grab your tickets and find out more about Inverloch Sounds of Summer at inverlochsoundsofsummer.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Woodford Folk Festival FRIDAY DECEMBER 27 – WEDNESDAY JANUARY 1 WHERE?
You’ll be driving about 70km north of Brisbane for this one, to a site just outside of Woodford called Woodfordia.
WHO?
This year’s festival boasts a huge lineup, with Australian powerhouses Kate Miller-Heidke, Kasey Chambers and Emma Louise all scoring slots on the bill. Other home-grown talents include hip hip duo Horrorshow, The Herd, Tia Gostelow, Lime Cordiale and Archie Roach playing alongside Paul Grabrowsky. Then there’s the international artists, like England’s Lucy Farrell, The Kimono Band from Japan, Nepal’s Monks of Tibet, and the formidable Amanda Palmer, performing her powerful new work, There Will Be No Intermission.
ACCOMMODATION
Woodford Folk Festival has you sorted when it comes to accommodation. With the beautiful Woodfordia parklands around you, camping is the top choice and will give you the full festival experience but there are also glamping options courtesy of Pitch Luxury and other more comfortable camping options
through Tent City. You can also stay off site if you choose but you’ll have to book your room well in advance as things book out quick fast come Woodfork Folk time. Find out more on accom via the festival website.
THE VIBE
Woodford Folk Festival is a family-friendly event, that focuses on fostering an inclusive and creative community. During the course of December, the space is transformed into a festival paradise; complete with cafes, stalls, bars, restaurants and an array of arts and performance spaces, plus workshops, kids’ zones, stages and more. It’s a space for anyone and everyone to come and get involved in, to become more than just a festival goer – to actually immerse themselves fully in the Woodfordia community.
HISTORY
The festival is pretty longstanding, with this year’s event being its 25th at the Woodfordia site. It was initially held at the Maleny showgrounds from 1987 until 1994, when the current location was secured and turned into the space that festivalgoers enjoy today. Since
UNIFY Gathering
its beginning, Woodfordia has had more than $14 million invested into the site and its facilities, with the building of 57 amenities blocks, a visual arts studio, amphitheatre, onsite water filtration and waste treatment plants, major electrical infrastructure, and the planting of 100,000 trees.
ARTS LINEUP
With a massive 145-page programme, it’s no surprise that there’s a plethora of interesting arts events to catch, too. Listen to a reading from multi-award-winning novelist Neil Gaiman, laugh along to some comedy courtesy of witty women Nina Oyama and Nikki Britton, or divulge in some circus and cabaret with performers such as Woodfordia regular Mario Queen of the Circus. That’s just the beginning.
SUSTAINABILITY
The team at Woodfordia are super environmentally conscious, and it’s reflected in
the way they put the event together. Festivalgoers will be able to see first-hand how the team’s tree planting and wildlife restoration efforts have paid off and have the option to get involved with projects themselves. You can also support their efforts by bringing a reusable water bottle, being conscious of your water wastage when showering, taking your rubbish with you when you leave and respecting the land you’re on. TICKETS
Ticket prices vary quite a bit depending on what you’re after. There’s a range of daily tickets, season passes, camping passes, tickets for teens and kids, which all differ in price. There’s also a payment plan option if you don’t have your funds together right now. Find the full rundown and grab your tickets at woodfordfolkfestival.com.
Image by Neal Walters
THURSDAY JANUARY 9 – SUNDAY JANUARY 12 (ACROSS FOUR LOCATIONS)
WHERE?
UNIFY Gathering takes place over three days in the small coastal Gippsland town of Tarwin Lower. With native Australian bush on one side and stunning views of hills on the other, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful greenery as you’re catapulted into a heavy music lover’s dream and served much more than just tantalising tunes.
WHO?
Architects, The Ghost Inside, Northlane, Polaris, Silverstein, Tonight Alive, Make Them Suffer, Stray From The Path, Dear Seattle, Void Of Vision, Antagonist AD, Knocked Loose, Tired Lion, Kublai Khan TX, The Beautiful Monument, Eat Your Heart Out, Between You And Me, The Brave, Diamond Construct, Columbus, Tapestry, Sleep Talk, Caged Existence, and Something Something Explosion.
THE HISTORY
UNIFY Gathering first ran in 2015 as a two-day camping festival and has since grown to a threeday camping festival showcasing renowned local and international acts. With the festival going strong and offering heavy music lovers around the country the sounds they want to hear, it’s a highly anticipated annual event. Mark this one in your calendar if you’re up for some good times and ready to head bang.
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WHAT TO BRING
There are definitely a few must-have items if you’re going to make the trek out to Gippsland for UNIFY. Make sure you grab your tickets before you leave and have proof of ID. You’ll also need a car pass if you’re going to be driving to the festival and utilising the car park. Make sure you have a working tent, a sleeping bag and pillow and a folding camp chair. Don’t forget sunglasses, a hat and lots of sunscreen along with a reusable water bottle. It’s also worth packing warmer clothes in case it gets cold overnight. A torch and bug spray will be helpful to have on hand, too. Bring closed toe shoes, snacks, and ear plugs. UNIFY is also a cashless festival. You can buy PITCOIN currency online from November and at the festival’s top up stations and info points. Make sure to do this in advance so you don’t get to the front of the food or bar queue and find you can’t pay because you forgot to purchase your PITCOIN. But most importantly, bring a positive attitude and prepare for some sick tunes.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Obviously, the headliners: Architects and The Ghost Inside, but for local bands check out Sleep Talk from Adelaide and The Brave from Brisbane.
Image by Kieran Tunbridge
THINKING GREEN
UNIFY Gathering is dedicated to protecting the environment on which the festival is held. On Sunday August 25, UNIFY Gathering hosted its first ever Tree Planting Project with over 40 festival fans stopping by to plant over 2000 native trees around the event’s beautiful site.
ONE TIP FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO A FESTIVAL
Soak up the fun atmosphere, enjoy a few bevs, try to see as many bands as you can and don’t get too overwhelmed.
TICKETS
General admission is $279 and includes festival and camping access. If you’re chasing a VIP experience, the Temple Bar Experience gives you exclusive access to the Temple Bar, offering a prime vantage point of the stage, for $349 (including booking fee). There are add ons available, too, including an early access pass for $99, car passes for $20, and camper/caravan passes for $75. For more information on tickets, head to unifygathering.com.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION Your favourite band tee.
Grab your tickets and find out more about UNIFY Gathering at their website, unifygathering.com.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Falls Festival SATURDAY DECEMBER 28 – SUNDAY JANUARY 5
WHERE?
Falls Festival takes place over four stunning locations: Lorne, surrounded by the lush, ancient trees within the Otway Rainforest; the Falls farm near the Marion Bay coastline; the tropical paradise that is the North Byron Parklands site and Falls Downtown, taking over the Fremantle Oval Precinct.
WHO?
Falls Festival has consistently had punters eagerly awaiting the lineup drop year after year, and 2019 has been no different. With an array of big-name musicians, up-and-coming artists and triple j favourites, spanning a plethora of genres and styles, the 2019 lineup promises to be a big one. Expect to see Halsey, playing her only Australian shows, Vampire Weekend, Disclosure, Pink Sweat$, Amyl and The Sniffers, Playboi Carti, Of Monsters and Men and Peking Duk. Milky Chance will also perform alongside Aussie icon John Farnham, Vera Blue, Yungblud, Crooked Colours, G Flip, Thelma Plum, Holy Holy, A. Swayze and The Ghosts, Adrian Eagle, Wolfmother, The Jungle Giants, Lime Cordiale and plenty more incredible artists, all spread out amongst the four locations over the jam-packed week.
THE HISTORY?
Heading into its 27th year, the Falls Arts & Music Festival has become somewhat of an institution, a staple in the festival season calendar. Each year, festival-goers head out to the stunning locations to enjoy the everchanging and growing party atmosphere that Falls fosters. With the best new talent, as well as much-loved favourites headlining the festival year-after-year, it’s no mystery why it’s consistently one of the most-loved and anticipated festivals on the calendar.
WHAT TO BRING
There’s definitely a few must-have items you’ll need if you’re thinking of heading to Falls; tickets (an obvious one), proof of ID, car pass if you’re thinking of driving into the festival, a tent that works, sleeping bag and pillow, torch and folding chair. Sunglasses are also a must alongside spare clothes, especially warm gear for when the nights get colder, closed toe shoes (break in the Doc Martens pre-festival), a towel, sunscreen and bug repellent. Other things such as snacks, earplugs, a car phone charger, medication and a decent ice-breaker or joke so you can make a few new friends will also come in handy. Falls is also completely cashless. To make
the entire festival experience a bit easier, all payments will be made through payWave and mobile devices – that way you can spend less time waiting in line at the bar and more time getting to the front of the mosh!
THINKING GREEN
The Falls Art & Music Festival dedicates a large amount of time and effort into ensuring that the entire festival is as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. From flush-free composting toilets which save around two-and-a-half million litres of water each year to harvesting rain water for supply to the gas-fired onsite showers, all the measures have been taken to ensure as little impact on the environment is made as possible. Falls has also teamed up with BYO Bottle to cut down on the amount of single use bottles, meaning you can bring your own refillable drink bottle and refill it for free at one of the refill stations around the festival.
ONE TIP FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN TO A FESTIVAL
Seek out artists you aren’t familiar with, chances are by the end of the festival you’ll have a new favourite.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
SpongeBob SquarePants. ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES FALLS FESTIVAL
A pina colada – a summer classic you can’t beat! ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
John Farnham – this is one singalong you cannot miss. TICKETS
Both Marion Bay and Byron Bay tickets are available from $309 for a three-day ticket, while $349 can get you a four-day ticket at Falls Lorne. Fremantle punters can choose from a single-day ticket from $149 or a full-weekend ticket from $289. There are other ticket options for twoday passes and depending on the location, camping tickets and car passes may be required. Grab your tickets and find out more about Falls Festival at their website, fallsfestival.com.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Party In The Paddock THURSDAY FEBRUARY 6 – SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8
Middle Kids
WHERE?
White Hills, Tasmania. It’s a small rural location about 20 minutes outside of Launceston with shuttle buses departing from Launceston’s city centre. Launceston Airport is the perfect hub to fly into and is just 20 minutes from the festival site. If you’re road tripping up from the capital, White Hills is about 153kms due north of Hobart.
WHO?
As Party In The Paddock evolves, the lineups keep getting bigger. Matt Corby will lead the charge in 2020 alongside Hermitude, Dune Rats, Broods (NZ), Cosmo’s Midnight, Jack River, while legendary party-starters Sneaky Sound System will also be taking to the stage. On top of that, there’s Briggs, Mallrat, Mahalia (UK), Lime Cordiale, Confidence Man, Odette, The Chats, Dear Seattle, I Know Leopard and Press Club. And that’s just the start – head to the Party In The Paddock website to check out the rest of the bill.
THE HISTORY
2020 marks Party In The Paddock’s eighth annual year of festivities. The festival launched in 2013 with a lineup consisting mostly of local bands as well as interstate headliners Sticky Fingers, and Sid O’Neil from Vasco Era. They cranked things up a notch the next year with a number of Australian acts on the precipice of
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major success, such as Kingswood, The Pretty Littles and Stonefield. From there, the PITP mission has been to up its game with each new lineup announcement. 2015 featured Dune Rats, Beautiful Girls, Allday and Luca Brasi; 2016 welcomed Violent Soho, The Preatures and Spiderbait; and in 2017 Tash Sultana, Hermitude and Remi made a big impression. Into 2018 and the lineup kept growing – Grouplove, Gang of Youths, The Avalanches and Meg Mac took to the festival. Then it was Lily Allen who led the 2019 iteration, performing alongside The Presets, The Jungle Giants, Vera Blue and a bunch more. Rock and hip hop, indie and electronic, triple j and 3RRR, the PITP lineup always looks to appeal to a cross section of demographics.
SUSTAINABILITY
Party In The Paddock is serious about sustainability, which is why they’ve implemented a variety of initiatives to limit waste and needless destruction. These include the push for punters to #BYOBottle and the wide availability of reusable cups. There’s the aforementioned carpooling suggestion, and they’ll be ensuring no tent is left behind. Party In The Paddock happens on a working farm and it’s the organisers’ duty to get the farm swiftly returned to its regular state once the festivities wrap up.
The food vendors have all pledged allegiance to the sustainability mission for 2020. It’s essential that all food and drink packaging and utensils are 100 per cent compostable, meaning punters can simply place them in the organics bins that’ll be situated around the festival site. There’s also a recycling centre onsite and as a precaution against laziness, the festival is offering prizes – such as cash for beers, food, merch and more – for those who deposit a bag of recycling or compost to the centre.
It’s imperative to immediately seek out medical attention if you or someone you know isn’t feeling right. Likewise, if you notice behaviour that’s certainly amiss, inform security or a PITP crew member.
WHAT ELSE?
Party In The Paddock’s festival within a festival, Vibestown, will return for 2020. Vibestown brings a lineup of art, big name Australian comedians and whole bunch of market stalls stocked with fresh Tassie produce.
WHAT TO BRING
Party In The Paddock happens in early February when the temperatures are still likely to be hovering around the mid-20s during the day and retreating back to the mid teens at night. So it’s an excellent time of year to be hanging out in the Tasmanian Hills, but it’s advised that you pack for all weather.
THE PARTY IN THE PADDOCK PHILOSOPHY
Basically, the organisers want to cultivate nothing but good vibes. That involves everyone showing respect for one another, including a “dickhead-free PITP” rule. Outside of that, it’s important to keep an eye out for anyone who’s looking a little worse for wear, and make an effort to preserve the natural beauty of the festival site.
TICKETS
Pre-sale tickets will go on sale Friday October 18 (sign up via partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au) with general tickets on sale from Tuesday October 22. Single day, weekend, and camping tickets are all available. The PITP organisers reckon carpooling is one of the best ways to get to the festival, as it’s an easy way to reduce your eco footprint. You can find a parking option in the ticket packages and there’s also a lush VIP ticket option. Grab your tickets and find out more at partyinthepaddockfestival.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Riverboats Music Festival FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14 – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 16
WHERE?
Riverboats takes place in the historic paddle steamer town of Echuca-Moama, two and a half hours up the Northern Highway from the Melbourne CBD.
WHO?
Riverboats brings together a collection of Australian artists representing the absolute cream of the crop. With the Murray River as a backdrop, Riverboats provides a welcomed tonic from many of the bigger events taking place across the summer months. If a picnic rug and a good bottle of wine is how you like watching the best Aussie artists, you’ll be right at home with Bernard Fanning, Kate Miller-Heidke, Something for Kate, Troy Cassar-Daley, Archie Roach, Dyson Stringer Cloher, Robert Forster, Bob Evans, Mama Kin Spender, Ainslie Wills, Horns of Leroy feat. Thando, Matt Joe Gow, Jess Locke, and Festival MC Brian Nankervis.
WHAT TO BRING
For those making their first festival expedition, Riverboats is on the relaxed side, though you’ll still need some sunscreen, a water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and insect-repellent to defend against the Aussie summer elements. Be sure to pack a picnic rug so you can lounge around without copping a wet bum. Bring some good walking shoes because you’ll be getting yourself from your accommodation to the festival via bike or walking. Hot tip: tuck away
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a spare pair of clothes in case you decide to have a dip in the river.
ACCOMMODATION
Echuca-Moama boasts plenty of accommodation within walking distance of the festival hub, and if you’re prepared to stay a little further out of town there are some amazing campsites along the river. Parking is available across town, though you’re best to leave your car at your accommodation and walk or ride to the festival if you can.
VOLUNTEER
The arrangement is simple – in return for one volunteer shift, Riverboats will give you a weekend ticket (valued at $175). Jobs may involve serving thirsty festival-goers from behind the bar, selling tickets or merchandise, moving stock and generally keeping the place humming. You’ll be a busy bee for a few hours, but after that, it’s all fun and games.
THE VIBE
The festival itself is staged in the heart of town at Aquatic Reserve, a beautiful natural amphitheatre under a canopy of red gums right next to the Murray River. Riverboats has remained boutique in both its size and philosophy through the years while attracting high calibre artists like Paul Kelly, Neil Finn, Missy Higgins and Dan Sultan, to name a few. You’ll be able to hear paddle steamer whistles passing by the festival stage all weekend
long. Riverboats is the ultimate experience for music lovers who like their festivals on the chilled side. Bring a picnic rug, find a comfortable spot in the shade and settle in for three days of tunes under the gum trees.
GET GREEN
Riverboats is committed to minimising its impact on the planet. They no longer sell single-use plastic bottles, so bring a reusable bottle from home. All food waste from the event will be turned into compost to be used on local farms and the town’s parks and gardens.
BIGGEST PERK?
If you love chilling out in the sun, a bit o’ paddling and live music, Riverboats is the festival for you. It’s the only music festival in Australia providing festival-goers with the opportunity to experience a one-hour live performance while cruising down Australia’s longest river. Riverboats’ famous paddle steamer sideshows are set to expand in 2020 with the inclusion of five unique acoustic performances over the festival weekend. Held aboard the historic Pride of the Murray paddle steamer, these intimate performances are a truly unique way to take in the sounds and sights of Australia. These sideshows will include performances from Mama Kin Spender, Matt Joe Gow, Jess Locke, Horns of Leroy and Ainslie Wills.
FOOD LOVERS
You can keep your energy up and fight the festival hangover by getting yourself down to Riverboats’ beloved Annual Festival Breakfast at the Beechworth Bakery on Sunday. With live sets by alt-country artist Matt Joe Gow, it’s one of the weekend’s hot-ticket events. The Festival Breakfast sells out each year and punters are encouraged to book early.
ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES THE FESTIVAL
An ice-cold Furphy in a Riverboats stubby holder. ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Kate Miller-Heidke on the Sunday afternoon will be hard to beat. TICKETS
Weekend Pass - $175 Friday night - $60 Saturday - $95 Sunday - $80 Grab your tickets and find out more about Riverboats Music Festival at their website, riverboatsmusic.com.au.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Tamworth Country Music Festival FRIDAY JANUARY 17 – SUNDAY JANUARY 26 WHERE?
Taking place all over Tamworth in New South Wales – the nation’s country music capital – TCMF is bigger than Christmas; showcasing a whopping 700+ performers at over 2800 events, across 120 venues. You can fly into Tamworth’s airport from Sydney and then take a shuttle bus or hire a car, or go road trippin’ (it’s about a 12-and-a-half-hour trek from Melbourne’s CBD, one way).
WHO?
TCMF is a ten-day treat for those who like everything from traditional, Americana, rock, blues, roots, alt-country, bluegrass and honky-tonk music. Featuring orthodox twang through to some cheeky takes on tradition (The Pigs’ hillbilly-styled covers of everything from ‘Single Ladies’ to ‘Devil Inside’, for example), there’s something to satisfy all flavours of country-lovers.
THE HISTORY?
Due to celebrate its 48th year in 2020, TCMF is Australia’s biggest country music festival and the second biggest festival of its kind in the world. It’s also been a launchpad for the careers of some of the biggest names nationally and
internationally in country music (think everyone from Keith Urban to Kasey Chambers, with the latter appearing again next year).
TIPS FOR PUNTERS
Tamworth heaves during the festival, so you really need to get wriggle on with booking transport and accommodation. Helpfully, the TCMF website has links to local accommodation suitable for a range of budgets, from campers through to luxury lovers. You can also download the Official Guide App to help plan and navigate your festival. Although, if you go old-school and order a hardcopy festival guide, you get a free CD, which is neat.
MUST-SEES
Given that it’s now impossible to see the Highwaymen (respectfully, two are dead and Willie is never getting a visa) the 4 Highwaymen – the Aussie tribute to four of country’s greatest – is nigh on a must. They sell-out shows at TCMF every year. The Toyota Country Music Cavalcade is also a hoot – it’s a Moomba-style float procession, but country. On top of that, Cold Chisel have announced that their Blood Moon tour will also be heading
Port Fairy Folk Festival
Lee Kernaghan & The Wolfe Brothers
to Tamworth as part of the 2020 festival.
BIG GOLDEN GUITAR
You’d be remiss not to swing by the Big Golden Guitar, the 12-metre tribute to twang and a replica of the coveted Golden Guitar Award (Australian country music’s night of nights), and its tourist centre, which features the personal guitars of country greats, a wax museum and will be home to a new National Guitar Museum opening in late 2019.
THROW YOUR HAT IN THE RING
An undoubted annual TCMF highlight is always the Toyota Country Music Busking Championships, which sees in the vicinity of 400 buskers battling it out on Peel Street. Head along to check out some crazy-good, untapped talent. Better yet, sign up for a bash at the title yourself.
ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
You could go full cowboy/girl, but the locals might think you’re a knob. Go instead for an
official festival hat, the proceeds of which go to charity.
ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES TCMF
Beer, but nothing boutique.
TICKETS
The vast bulk of TCMF events are free. However, some events are ticketed (for example, tickets for The Concert for Joy – the extravaganza featuring everyone from Paul Kelly to Don Walker, which celebrates the life and songs of the grand dame of Aussie country Joy McKean – range from $39-$119). Check out the ticketing information for individual artists at tcmf.com.au/artists. Grab tickets and find out more about Tamworth Country Music Festival at their website, tcmf.com.au.
Image by David Harris
FRIDAY MARCH 6 – MONDAY MARCH 9 WHERE?
The festival takes place across various venues throughout Port Fairy, an idyllic coastal bluestone town approximately 3.5 hours from Melbourne by car. Southcombe Sports Complex serves as the festival’s main hub and can be found in Campbell Street, Port Fairy – a short walk from the town centre.
WHO?
Port Fairy Folk Festival welcomes a range of folk, roots, blues, jazz, world, country and bluegrass artists, both local and international, as well as an array of entertainers offering spoken word, comedy and street performances. This year’s lineup showcases the great folk and roots traditions of a range of cultures and communities around the world. Homegrown artists include Archie Roach with Paul Grabowsky and Sally Dastey, Benny Walker, Dan Sultan, Emily Wurramara, and C.W. Stoneking while international guests include the likes of The Blind Boys of Alabama, Ego Lemos, Patty Griffin, Hubert Francis, Eleanor McEvoy, Fara, John McCutcheon, YolanDa Brown and The Jellyman’s Daughter. That’s just the beginning.
THE HISTORY
A true manifestation of all things folk, the first Port Fairy Folk Festival was held on the back of a truck – “a freewheeling cultural freedom
ride of sorts,” in the words of Founding Director Jamie McKew OAM. 2020 will mark Port Fairy Folk Festival’s 44th year of enveloping the town with a smattering of live music, entertainment, family friendly activities, food and markets – a longstanding community tradition and a staple of the local cultural calendar. Since its first iteration, Port Fairy Folk Festival has welcomed over 8,000 artists from far and wide to the town. While it began as a celebration of Australian and Irish music, the festival has since opened its arms to performers from all over the world. Powered by volunteers and taking over the town for a weekend each March, Port Fairy Folk Festival is a celebration of community as much as it is music. For its 2020 instalment, the festival will focus on First Nations performers, both contemporary and traditional, from Australia, Canada, Timor Leste and New Zealand.
THE VIBE
Port Fairy Folk Festival is a relaxed event and the perfect environment to bring the whole family. Wander between venues, bring your own chair or rug and take it all in. There are three marketplace stations across the festival, which can be found at Sackville Street, Railway Place and Fisherman’s Walk, as well as a range of historic pubs and restaurants to grab a bite at.
Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, though there are licensed venues throughout the festival for those chasing something a bit harder than soft drink. The festival upholds a strict no BYO alcohol policy. Port Fairy Folk Festival looks to reduce the use of single use plastic and encourages punters to bring their own water bottles, which can be refilled at water stations throughout the festival. The festival arena also has a dishwashing station for those opting to bring their own food. Port Fairy Folk Festival caters to the
whole family, with three dedicated kidfriendly entertainment and activity areas to be found throughout the festival. TICKETS
There are two-day and four-day passes available, with lower rates available for youth (13-17) and early birds. Children under 13 do not require a ticket. Grab your tickets and find out more about Port Fairy Folk Festival at portfairyfolkfestival.com.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
CMC Rocks WEDNESDAY MARCH 18 – SUNDAY MARCH 22
Lee Kernaghan
Photo by Lachie Some
WHERE?
CMC Rocks goes down at Willowbank Raceway, Willowbank, about 45 minutes drive from Brisbane.
WHO?
From the US come country heavyweights Miranda Lambert and Kip Moore while Morgan Evans leads the Aussie contingent. Outside of that, the likes of Billy Currington, Brothers Osborne, Lee Kernaghan, LANCO, Dustin Lynch, Adam Brand, Tim Hicks, Hardy, Jimmie Allen, Jeffrey Steele, Abby Anderson, Runaway June and The Wolfe Brothers will perform. Capping off the lineup come Mitchell Tenpenny, Kassi Ashton, Cassadee Pope, Felicity Urquhart, Jasmine Rae, Jordan Brooker, Niko Moon and heaps more.
VIP OPTIONS
CMC Rocks has launched an online fan community, The Drove, which offers presale ticketing access and VIP options, opportunities to attend the launch party, competitions and exclusive content. Drove members will also have access to artist signings and meet and greet opportunities. Sign up at the-drove.com.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING:
For camping punters don’t forget: Your ticket and ID, a tent, sleeping bag and pillow, food and drink (non-alcoholic), gas cookers are permitted for cooking up bacon and eggs in the morning, deck chairs, a raincoat/poncho, gum
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LANCO
boots or cowboy boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera (SLR cameras are permitted) and a cowboy hat so you can fit right in!
THE HISTORY
In its 13th year, CMC Rocks remains the most significant country and roots event the southern hemisphere has to offer. 2019 broke records with the festival selling 23,000 tickets in mere minutes of tickets going on sale and the festival boasts a star-studded honour roll including Tim McGraw, Kasey Musgraves, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Dixie Chicks, Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan. Australian country artists on all ends of the fame spectrum have appeared at CMC including our beloved Kasey Chambers, Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand, Troy Cassar-Daley, Travis Collins, The McClymonts and Busby Marou. The four-day festival alone has injected millions of dollars into the Queensland economy and is quickly becoming one of our nation’s most highly-regarded events.
THE VIBE
Get your dancing boots on and your cowboy hats a-ready, CMC Rocks is a combination of southern charm and good old-fashioned family fun in a real celebration of the country music scene. With over 23,000 country music enthusiasts packing out the Willowbank Raceway, the festival has a strong family friendly focus and relaxed nature. Instead of
a rowdy mosh-pit, you will find a sea of deck chairs lining the open grass area. CMC Rocks is more than a festival – it’s a community. Prepare for giant singalongs, over-the-top displays and Southern hospitality at this annual country music extravaganza.
SUSTAINABILITY
CMC Rocks provide water stations around the festival site. CMC Rocks encourages all campers and patrons to respect the campsite and festival grounds by removing their camping equipment, belongings, and rubbish.
MUST SEES
Artists: The bright and shining headliners, Miranda Lambert, Kip Moore, and Morgan Evans, are definite must-sees, but there are a few return acts that always put on a great show. Fan-favourite Adam Brand and Australia’s ARIA Hall of Famer and country icon Lee Kernaghan will be standouts. Our major pick of the bunch however, is former Hey Monday pop-punk frontwoman-turnedcountry-songstress, Cassadee Pope.
between Ipswich station and the festival site. Motel pick-ups are available from selected accommodation. Tax/Uber: There will be a designated taxi and Uber drop-off area available. Free Shuttle: A free shuttle will run between the festival to the Yamanto shops and Ipswich town centre and back for festival campers. All transport information and timetables available at cmcrocks.com/visiting-the-festival/ transport.
TICKETS
Experience: The meet and greet and artist signings tent is the ideal chance to get up close and personal to your favourite artists.
Full Event and Single Day tickets differ depending on whether you’re in the adult (18+), youth (15-17yrs) or junior (4-14yrs) age group. There are also separate tickets for camping – all information can be found at cmcrocks.com/tickets. If you don’t have the pennies on you right away, CMC Rocks have introduced a Time to Pay option so you can pay your ticket in instalments. More details at cmcrocks.com/info/ time-to-pay.
TRANSPORT
For the full rundown and to score your tickets, head to cmcrocks.com.
Train: Closest train running is to Ipswich. A free shuttle bus will be operating between the station and the festival site. Bus: Southern Cross Transit will be running
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Bluesfest THURSDAY APRIL 9 – MONDAY APRIL 13
WHERE?
The 300-acre Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, 11km outside of Byron Bay. There are shuttle bus options from local airports and major townships nearby, as well as parking options for those who want to drive to and from the festival site.
WHO?
With some time to go until next year’s party, Bluesfest is still rolling out its full line-up, but so far it has confirmed the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Crowded House, Patti Smith and Her Band, George Benson, Brandi Carlile, John Butler, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire, Morcheeba and more.
BYO?
No BYO options for alcohol unfortunately, but there are five bars within the festival site, so you’ll have no trouble staying well-lubricated.
HOW IT STANDS APART
The festival would truly be nothing without its relentlessly top-notch line-up. It has definitely branched out into other genres from its blues and roots beginnings, but the quality of acts on offer is always high.
THE HISTORY
In the world of Australian festivals, Bluesfest is the stuff of legend. 2020 is Bluesfest’s 31st year and it’s one of the biggest festivals in the
country, always featuring a world-class lineup of Australian and international music icons, which is why it attracts up to 125,000 punters a year. It’s a celebration of blues ‘n’ roots music and beyond.
PARKING, CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION
SUSTAINABILITY
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
The festival is single-use plastic free, so make sure you bring your reusable water bottle. All food waste goes to local piggeries/composting centres. There’s also a waste sorting centre and koala plantation management on site.
WHAT TO BRING
Heaps of the artists sell merch or do record signings at the merch tent after their sets, so don’t forget to take that favourite vinyl you’ve been wanting to get inked and don’t be shy in asking for a sneaky selfie, too. Other things worth bringing are a raincoat, insect repellent and your best gumboots. While there are undercover areas at the stages, getting from one tent to another is an openair experience and the ground turns to mud pretty quickly once the rains set in. But don’t be precious about it – it’s all part of the fun!
VIP OPTIONS
Five-day VIP access (which you purchase on top of your regular ticket and includes access to the VIP lounge) will set you back around $400, while three-day access is around $300.
There are a number of different camping options available onsite and parking is available for both campers and attendees.
Volunteer opportunities are opening soon; you have to work 25 hours over the five-day festival or 25 hours pre and post festival.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to the main festival, there is also the concurrent Boomerang Festival, which features First Nations dancers, musicians and artists, curated by Festival Director and Bundjalung woman, Rhoda Roberts. Kids are also welcome to attend Bluesfest and there are kid-friendly activities and even a kids tent.
TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS
If you go home without braving the queue at the organic doughnut stall, did you really do Bluesfest all? Also, get hold of the set times and stages as early as possible and go to town with your highlighter. At Bluesfest, each act generally plays more than once, so you’d have to be unlucky to miss a headliner completely – but you do need a strategy to ensure you tick all your bucket list music boxes and don’t end up a pile of hungover regrets once the party’s over.
ONE MUST-SEE PERFORMER
Patti Smith and Her Band. Who knows if this will be her last time Down Under. ONE COSTUME RECOMMENDATION
Don’t say no to tie-dye! The perfect Bluesfest costume is something colourful, with a nod to Byron’s hippie culture, that’s suitable for the unpredictable weather around Easter in the tropical surrounds of Byron Bay. ONE DRINK THAT ENCAPSULATES BLUESFEST
There’s nothing more Bluesfest than sipping on an icy Byron Bay Brewery beer while taking in some tunes. TICKETS
Ticket prices for the festival depend on how many days you want to attend and when you buy them – the earlier you commit, the cheaper your ticket is likely to be. At the time of printing, single day tickets are $190, three-day tickets are $400 and five-day tickets are $600. Grab your tickets and find out more about Bluesfest at bluesfest.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
The Town FRIDAY MAY 1 – MONDAY MAY 4
WHERE?
The lineup is yet to be announced, stay tuned!
suburb for the weekend, whether you’re residing in Funky Town, Hipster City, Vanland and Pleasantville. If you’re so inclined, don’t forget to pack some drinks as the event is BYO, with sustainable and mindful consumption encouraged. And lastly, don’t forget to pack plenty of sunscreen, a hat, an open mind and a fun, Earth-loving attitude.
THE HISTORY
SUSTAINABILITY
Completely off the grid, this festival is held in Victoria’s only privately owned and off the grid town, Licola. You’ll find this breath of fresh air of a location in the beautiful valley along the Macalister River.
WHO?
Previously, the main stages have been a town hall, haunted house and a train station (this year it’s a sustainable power plant). Past acts have included Dub Fx, Tash Sultana, Funk Hunters, JFB, and Spoonbill. Last year, we also had a play of Dr Seuss’ The Lorax on stage.
MAKE SURE YOU BRING
Punters are encouraged to bring dress-ups and costumes to really get into character at The Town. Although, there’s absolutely no pressure, so don’t feel like you need to come as a politician, fire fighter or mailman – it’s all just about having fun. Plus, there’ll be an op shop run by party grandmas to help you get decked out. You’re also encouraged to bring your own mailbox to really set up home in your
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The Town encourages sustainability by creating a culture of connection over consumption through not selling any disposable products, producing as close to zero waste as possible, and fostering personal responsibility. The Town aims to explore what makes an ideal town and sustainability is a vital part of this, along with showing respect for the beautiful land, its fresh waterways and surrounding nature. All our food and drink stalls will be using reusable crockery or compostable items. Be a Town pro and bring a plate, cup and crockery and wash up at the wash stations. We also ask that you don’t bring disposable rubbish, plastics or excessive alcohol such as kegs and multiple bottles or slabs. Also, to avoid putting pressure on the
site, we need your help with carpooling and camping humbly. Packing light means partying smart and in a way where less is more! Every year the campgrounds are left spotless and we only process an incredibly small amount of waste – we’re proud of this and ask for your help in doing it again this year.
THE VIBE
The Town is arguably one of Australia’s most unique festivals. It’s basically a giant playground that parodies society in the funnest possible way, with live bands and a campground. We’re talking a mock village with streets and mailboxes throughout the campsite, a public transport bike system, a church to get fake married in, a court to sue your friends, and a ‘90s themed prom in the gymnasium. Each of the small houses onsite are converted into fake storefronts that take on the format of escape rooms, immersive theatre spaces and themed chill out spaces. An example of this is Cafe Experientia, a theatre restaurant that serves experiences instead of food, including awkward entrees such as ‘prolonged eye contact’. We also have a Town Newspaper full of hilarious articles to
keep you informed and entertained. Each year has a theme and in 2020 it’s power, exploring both sustainable power and corrupt power, with hilarious town elections happening on the Saturday (who will hold the power at the end?). And speaking of power, you won’t need to charge your phones overnight as The Town has no mobile reception, allowing punters to escape their reliance on technology and connect in a more human way. The festival is also family friendly, meaning you can bring the whole gang along for the parody ride.
TICKETS
Tickets for The Town 2020 are now on sale via the festival website. Check out what The Town is all about at culturejam.com.au.
BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Beers, brews and good times:
15 years of Gage Roads Brewing Co. “I just really love the taste of the stuff.” – Aaron Heary
Aaron Heary
For Aaron Heary, there’s a simple reason he started brewing beer. But if you dig a little deeper, the now Gage Roads Brew-chief reveals there’s much more to his passion. “I really love the creative element of it. I really like how much freedom you have to create all different types of beers. Anything from the lightest Pilsner or lager, all the way through to craft beer and big beers like Little Dove New World Pale Ale (Gage Roads Brewing’s Champion Australian Beer) or a really hoppy beer. “Along the way, the craft beer movement has happened and there’s so much innovation in beer, and so much that you can do to express yourself.” Heary’s been with Gage Roads Brewing Co. since day one, when an old factory just outside Fremantle, Western Australia was transformed into one of the country’s early craft breweries. It’s been 15 years since that first beer was brewed, with a lot of beer under the bridge since then. “Gage Roads was started on the credit card of one of the founders. It’s a great story and early on it was tough. But it was really exciting as well because we were launching beer styles that many people in Australia had
never seen before. It felt like we were riding on the tip of a wave that was about to come. “At that time, we had to explain to people what craft beer was, and we were trying to convince them to drink craft beer instead of mainstream [beer]. Now everyone knows what craft beer is… it was such a different time back then,” says Heary. Gage Roads was created off the back of two distinct loves – good beer and the ocean. The name itself comes from the strip of water that separates Rottnest Island and Fremantle. It’s a spot that Heary and the brewery founders were always closely connected to. “It really shaped the brewery. Everyone who founded the business, and myself, love the ocean. Whether it’s diving, surfing, fishing, boating or even just having a swim, it’s what we all love. The guys wanted to name the business after something to do with that love and that’s how Gage Roads came about. “We’d look out over that strip of water and watch the ships pull up and come into the harbour. It’s also the spot you cross when you go to Rottnest on a boat and a lot of us spend serious time out there. It was a special place for all of us and it made sense to name the brewery after it.”
While the entire Gage Roads Brewing range fits that lifestyle, there’s no doubt Single Fin Summer Ale sits closest to it. Not only is the name a clear reference to surf culture, but the beer itself is brewed with sun-drenched summer days in mind. It’s light-bodied, chock full of aromatic Galaxy and Enigma hops. There’s a tropical fruit aroma, balanced by subtle bitterness and a clean finish. “Single Fin has this double meaning, it’s not just about the surf board, but the way we brewed the beer was inspired by a traditionalstyle summer ale which is a light-bodied beer that has quite a bit of wheat in the malt bill. That creates a dense white foam and a crisp beer. But the traditional style doesn’t have a lot of hop character to it. “We had this new hop back then called Galaxy from Tasmania. It’s got this passionfruit and pineapple flavour, so we dry-hopped this original style beer with that and it created this fruity aroma. That’s what really sets that beer apart. It’s got the sessionability but it also has the craft credentials.” And that approach clearly worked, with Single Fin now one of the fastest-growing craft beer brands in the country. While there aren’t too many independent,
craft breweries in Australia that have hit the 15-year mark, there is still plenty on the horizon for Gage Roads. Born out of Freo and now shared across the country, Gage Roads is hoping to reach even more Australians in the future. “No doubt the last 15 years has been a lot of work but one of the values we’ve always had is to have fun while doing it. We take our beer seriously and we want to brew the best beer at all times. “It’s been a long journey for us and the brewery has grown to become a great success story, but there’s been a lot of blood, sweat and tears that have gone in behind the scenes. But one thing we’ve never lost sight of is that we’ve got to have fun doing it.” Cheers to that.
Gage Roads Brewing Co. is based in Palmyra, Western Australia near Perth, but their beers are distributed all across the country. Find out more about Gage Roads at their website, gageroads.com.au.
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BEAT’S ULTIMATE FESTIVAL GUIDE
Festival index 2019 - 2020 OCTOBER OCT 18 – 20
PATCHEWOLLOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 19
SPRING FLING STREET FESTIVAL
OCT 19
3 PEAKS FESTIVAL
OCT 19
ON THE WING FESTIVAL
OCT 20
COOPERS BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 20 – 27
DAREBIN MUSIC FEAST
OCT 25 – 27
KENNEDYS CREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 25 – 27
THE VILLAGE FESTIVAL
OCT 26
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
OCT 26
BORN IN GEELONG
OCT 26 – 27
KYNETON MUSIC FESTIVAL
OCT 27
ON THE HILL FESTIVAL
NOVEMBER NOV 1 – 3
THE LOST LANDS
NOV 1 – 3
A HITCH TO THE STICKS
NOV 1 – 4
A WEEKEND WITH
NOV 1 – 4
HAPPY WANDERER
NOV 2
GLENMAGGIE COUNTRY ROCK FESTIVAL
NOV 2
LAND OF PLENTY
NOV 7 – 10
BENDIGO BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL
NOV 9
PEEL STREET FESTIVAL
NOV 9
LIVING ROOM FESTIVAL
NOV 9 – 10
OPEN SPACES
NOV 9 – 24
FEAST FESTIVAL
NOV 10
DOGAPALOOZA
NOV 10 - 16
JAMAICAN MUSIC AND FOOD FESTIVAL
NOV 14 – 17
MULLUM MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
PHILLIP ISLAND JAZZ FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
HEALESVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
LOCH HART MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 15 – 17
DENI UKE MUSTER
NOV 15 – 23
MELBOURNE MUSIC WEEK
NOV 16
FROM LITTLE THINGS
NOV 16
SURREY HILLS MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 17
POLISH FESTIVAL
NOV 22 – 24
QUEENSCLIFF MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 22 – 24
HOPKINS CREEK
NOV 23
AFRO URBAN MUSIC FESTIVAL
NOV 23
CITY LOOP
NOV 23 – 30
SPILT MILK
NOV 23 – DEC 1
GRAPEVINE
NOV 24
SOUNDS OF AFROBEATS FESTIVAL
NOV 29 – DEC 1
FESTIVAL X
NOV 29 – DEC 1
STRAWBERRY FIELDS
DECEMBER
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DEC 6 – 7
FAIRGROUNDS FESTIVAL
DEC 6 – 8
SUBSONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
DEC 6 – 8
GOOD THINGS
DEC 7
WINEFOLK
DEC 7
SOUNDS OF AFRICA FESTIVAL
DEC 7
YALLS SUMMER FEST
DEC 13 – 15
MEREDITH MUSIC FESTIVAL
DEC 14
AFRICAN MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL
DEC 14
THE PETTING ZOO FESTIVAL
DEC 26
DANCING HEADS MUSIC FESTIVAL
DEC 27 – JAN 1
WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL
DEC 28 – JAN 5
FALLS FESTIVAL
DEC 28 – JAN 1
BEYOND THE VALLEY
DEC 28
INVERLOCH SOUNDS OF SUMMER
DEC 28 – JAN 1
LOST PARADISE
DEC 30 – JAN 1
NYE ON THE HILL
DEC 31
NYE IN THE PARK
JANUARY JAN 1
FIELD DAY
JAN 1
LET THEM EAT CAKE
JAN 1
SUN CYCLE NYD
JAN 4 – 12
FOMO FESTIVAL
JAN 9 – 12
UNIFY GATHERING
JAN 11
BY THE BAY
JAN 11 - 20
MONA FOMA
JAN 12
SO FRENCHY SO CHIC
JAN 17 – 26
TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
JAN 19 – FEB 9
MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL
JAN 24 - 27
NEWSTEAD LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL
JAN 24 – 27
RAINBOW SERPENT FESTIVAL
JAN 26
WAY TO LIVE FESTIVAL
JAN 27 – FEB 9
ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY FEB 1 – 2
BREWERS FEAST
FEB 1 - 22
HOTTER THAN HELL
FEB 6 – 8
PARTY IN THE PADDOCK
FEB 9
ST KILDA FESTIVAL
FEB 14 – 16
BRUTHEN BLUES AND ARTS FESTIVAL
FEB 15
SOMETHING UNLIMITED
FEB 15 – 16
LAKE CHARLEGRARK COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON
FEB 15 – 17
RIVERBOATS MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEB 20 – 23
BABYLON FESTIVAL
FEB 22
ELECTRIC GARDENS FESTIVAL
FEB 22 – 23
ELTHAM JAZZ, FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
FEB 28 – 29
GRAMPIANS MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEB 29 – MAR 1
MORDIALLOC FOOD, WINE AND
MUSIC FESTIVAL
MARCH MAR 5 – 9
CHILLOUT FESTIVAL
MAR 6 – 9
WOMADELAIDE
MAR 6 – 9
PORT FAIRY FOLK FESTIVAL
MAR 6 – 9
MOOMBA FESTIVAL
MAR 6 – 10
PITCH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
MAR 7
DAYS LIKE THIS FESTIVAL
MAR 7 – 8
ULTRA AUSTRALIA
MAR 7 – 9
GOLDEN PLAINS MUSIC FESTIVAL
MAR 7 – APRIL 4
WINE MACHINE
MAR 19 - 22
CMC ROCKS QLD
LATER APR 9 – 14
BLUESFEST
MAY 1 – 4
THE TOWN
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