The Northern Rivers Times Edition 131

New Years Eve with Lil Nas X at Falls Byron. Photo Joseph Mayers

After a two-year hiatus

Falls Byron returned to North Byron Parklands (Dec 31- Jan 2) for its 8th iteration. The festival wrapped up a great success with organisers praising the relaxed, friendly crowd and thanking the team of volunteers, service personnel, staff, and artists.

The event attracted close to 20 000 patrons with over 10 000 camping onsite. “There were no delays getting campers on to the site on Dec 30 nor during exit on 3 January, with all campers exiting the site by 10:30am and the grounds left in impeccable condition thanks to the campers and workers,” said Festival Director Brandon Saul.

Overall Falls Byron enjoyed spectacular weather with some rain on the 30th having no serious impact on the site or festival operations. Patrons took advantage of the many activities the festival had to offer including 8 above ground pools (reflled each day using rainwater harvested from the site), beach volleyball and ping pong tables under a big top tent. Falls Byron also featured a number of smaller venues including

the ‘Byron Bay Brewery’ that featured local bands.

Falls Byron highlight acts included Lil Nas X who rang in the New Year with a spectacular show with 8 dancers and multiple costume changes. Earlier in

Happy crowd at Falls Byron. Photo Kurt Petersen

the afternoon, the OG (original) Wiggles lineup had the thousands strong crowd singing and dancing the ‘Hot Potato’. DJ Peggy Gou, Jamie XX, Spacey Jane and Amyl and the Sniffers all attracted large crowds

and UK rockers The Arctic Monkeys closed the festival on Monday night, performing to a large and appreciative crowd.

Falls Byron continued with a policy of not selling plastic water

Keeping cool at Falls Byron. Photo Kurt Petersen

bottles at the festival. Patrons reflled their own water bottles from free drinking water stations throughout the festival. “Not selling plastic water bottles at the festival has a very positive impact on

the amount of waste generated as well as the workload of our cleaning staff. We’d like to thank our patrons for embracing this initiative so wholeheartedly,” said Brandon Saul, Director Falls Festival Byron.

“A huge amount of effort went into creating this festival and we would like to thank all the artists, staff, service personnel, stall holders and the large contingent of volunteers. The police, security and Red Frogs volunteers did an excellent job of keeping our patrons safe. The festival patrons should be congratulated for making the 8th Falls Byron such a great experience, and the local community for being such a gracious host.”

Festival Director

Brandon Saul also gave particular thanks to ‘’the wonderful people at Brunswick Visitors Centre, Brunswick Heads Surf Life Saving Club and Byron Council for partnering with Falls Byron to make the ‘Taking Care of Bruns’ initiative such a success. Our patrons loved visiting Brunswick Heads, being greeted by friendly and informative volunteers, being fed at the SLSC sausage sizzle and exploring everything Bruns has to offer.”