Australia’s leading winter music festival, Splendour in the Grass, is hoping to raise “unworkable” noise restrictions before its 15th incarnation this weekend.
When it comes to Australian musical pilgrimages, there’s none more iconic than the hour and a half journey from Brisbane in winter to experience the cultural phenomenon that is Splendour in the Grass. While some choose to drive down and hope for the best with accommodation, many pick up a campervan rental from Brisbane or the Gold Coast and park in the event’s own campground, ensuring a place to stay and easy access to the festival in one fell swoop.
Taking its name from one of William Wordsworth’s poems, Splendour in the Grass has grown over time to become a festival well worthy of its famous namesake. But that growing process hasn’t always been a smooth one, as evidenced last year when North Byron Parklands, the venue for the world-class fest, was fined $3000 due to high levels of low frequency noise emission. In other words, there was a little too much bass going on. However, they’re not going to quiet down without a fight.
In response to the original fine, North Byron Parklands put forward an adjusted set of criteria to the State Government, saying that while they’re happy to cut down on bass volume, the restrictions on higher frequency noises are too prohibitive. “Overall, the noise limits currently approved for the venue are considered unworkable for outdoor entertainment events. It is therefore recommended that the noise limits for the venue be reviewed such that the venue can operate and comply with the noise limits for entertainment noise.”
The venue has been asking for help from Splendour fans and the community at large to ask the Government to recognise its points, but at this stage it is still uncertain whether or not the restrictions will be altered.
Regardless of the result, Splendour in the Grass lineup is still shaping up to be one of their best years yet, having attracted yet another scintillating lineup. Mark Ronson, of Uptown Funk fame, headlines the opening night on Friday, with Icelandic folk phenomenon Of Monsters and Men, and Aussie duo Peking Duk among those supporting. On Saturday Florence + The Machine takes the stage, while the newly resurgent Blur rounds out the headline acts on closing night. These top acts are just the icing on the cake though - around 100 different artists perform over the course of Splendour’s three day weekend.
Music isn’t all there is to Splendour in the Grass 2015 either. Connect and celebrate in the creative haven that is the Tipi Forest, or explore the subcultures of Byron at the Global Village: take in cabaret and burlesque performances or take part in yoga and live art classes. If exercising your brain and talking about real issues is more your bent, Splendour Forum is the perfect place for it - join some of today’s most prominent thinkers, activists, politicians and musicians as they provoke debate and discussion. There’s even art of all different persuasions for the culture vultures among you, from performance to installation, sculpture to live art.
However you choose to spend the weekend, it’s guaranteed to be an absolutely unforgettable experience. It all kicks off in less than a month, but if you think it’s too late to snag Splendour in the Grass tickets you’d be mistaken - while the initial batch of tickets sold out almost immediately, the event organisers are pointing people toward Moshtix.com.au for resale tickets - and there’s still a few available! But the longer you wait, the more likely it is that they’ll be snapped up by others just like yourself - so grab your tickets, book your Brisbane motorhome rental, and get ready for the mindblowing experience that is Splendour in the Grass.
Consider heading a bit further, check out our Melbourne campervan hire deals. If these don't fit the bill, our Australia landing page will take care of all the other options on offer. For those who fancy jumping over to the other side of the ditch, take a look at what we have on offer for NZ campervan hire - Christchurch is a popular starting point.
Written By: Kristof Haines
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
It’s funny how motorhome memories stick with you. I can still recall a motorhome vacation my family took when I was five years old and how awesome I thought I was, tucked away in a loft bed above the cab. From revealing unique destinations to providing tips and tricks, it’s my mission to help others build great motorhome memories too.
