So you bought the tickets months ago, the weather is finally heating up and the international bands you’ve been dying to see have started to roll into town. It can pretty much mean only one thing – the summer festivals are about to start. And whether or not you know your Falls from your Future, we are about to give you VIP access to everything festival-related.
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You could say it’s a rite of passage for every young Australian. There is just something irresistible about converging (usually on a dusty paddock) with thousands of other like-minded people, lured by the promise of lifelong bonds being forged in the mosh pit, or treasured memories being made dancing to your favourite band as the sun sets. It’s about planning that perfect outfit weeks in advance – and wearing it rain, hail or shine. And standing. Lots of standing; in lines for food, drinks, merchandise, to see the bands; but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
If you are a complete festival novice, it might be a good idea to begin with a basic tuition on what festivals are touring this summer. You have your one day festivals, including: Stereosonic (for the techno/dance/trance crowd), Big Day Out (an Australian institution and a good all-rounder in terms of music taste), Future (another good mix of all things music) and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival (definitely for the indie-rock types).
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Or, for the more, shall we say, prepared (read: advanced/crazed/dedicated) festival goer, there is the overnight camping option. Falls Festival, held in Lorne, Marion Bay and Byron Bay, is one of the most popular options, and is a non-stop, multi-day music experience that completely emerges you in the festival scene. Beyond The Valley, Meredith and Southbound are of a similar vein, usually held over New Years, and guaranteed to either convert you to the ways of a free spirited festival goer forever, or have you running for the nearest clean bathroom and sturdy mattress.
No matter what your taste in music, there is, without a doubt, someone for everyone. DJs like David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Tiesto are all heading our way, as are Alt-J and Milky Chance, or maybe Drake and Avicii are more to your liking. Local Aussie acts like Vance Joy, The Presets and The Temper Trap are also doing the festival rounds, so it’s a musical smorgasbord and we are bingeing. Often the best thing about festivals is discovering acts you might not know, or might not be to your usual style, so don’t waste time in the line for the toilet (those places are like time vortexes), and see as much of the live music on offer as possible.
As we mentioned, you have probably had your entire outfit organised for ages, after all, Splendour In The Grass music festival had Vogue fashion reporters on the scene compiling best dressed lists (not even joking), but here a few fashion do’s and don’ts to make sure your Insta posts are totally blog worthy.
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Firstly, under NO circumstances is wearing an American Indian headpiece a good idea. We don’t care if Vanessa Hudgens rocked one at Coachella, they are culturally insensitive, obstruct the view of everyone around you, and offer no sun support. But mostly they are offensive, and Bindis, watch out – you are heading the same way too. Do try and think about what the weather conditions may be and dress appropriately. Denim cut off’s and a cute crop might be adorable during the day, but when the temperature drops at night, and your adrenaline too, you might regret leaving that jacket at home. Our solution? A printed kimono. Not only are they lightweight, they can shield you from the sun AND the wind, plus they are the ultimate in festival chic, especially if it has tassels. Hats are a definite yes. Think of all the amazing options there are at the moment; felt fedoras, boater style, floppy and bucket. You don’t have to worry about your hair getting messed up, or your nose getting burnt. Both of which can be festival disasters. Our other festival fashion favourites? Fringed boots, overalls, flash tattoos, vests, wide leg pants and feathered earrings.
We hate to sound like your mother, but it also doesn’t hurt to stay hydrated, manage to eat some food and look out for your friends during your festival experience. If there are any rules to surviving a festival (and trust us – generally it’s anything goes) and coming out mentally and physically prepared to (one day) attend another one, those are your key points.
You should now be equipped with enough festival sense go out and have the best time of your life – trust us. You may not be able to control the weather, but you can control how much of a good time you can have, and festivals are the perfect excuse to hang out with your best friends, maybe make some new one, listen to music you may or may not be familiar with, and make this summer your best yet. We’ll see you there.
images via fallsfestival.com, splendourinthegrass.com, futuremusicfestival.com
