The magnificence of the Splore Festival makes it one of the must go music festivals events of the year. Vast art installations on the gorgeous Tapapakanga Regional Park with 4 separate stages pumping with poetry, music, performance art and DJs is a 3 day buffet of creativity matched only by the costumes many festival goers come in.
Splore could have easily disappeared up its own arsehole and moved away from its hippy roots to a yuppie weekend at the beach and become just another tick in the social calendar of the sons and daughters of dairy executives that starts with Rhythm & Vines and ends with Winter Fest in Queenstown. Thankfully the authenticity of Splore always dilutes the first 15 captains and private school head boys and girls quota. Environmental activists and those too poor to pay the $320 ticket can opt to work at Splore meaning those who can’t afford to participate have options. At a very living wage-esq rate of pay, volunteers work two 6 hour shifts and this blending alongside the family friendly vibe sets a genuinely egalitarian and respectful environment that makes the festival so unique.
The music was amazing, highlights were the very serious DJ Shadow, the remarkably cool Sal Valentine & the Babyshakes, the brilliant Murray Cammick behind the decks of the cider love shack and the enthusiastic Cuban Brothers on the main stage.
The 29 art installations is really where Splore differs from any other festival, highlights included Speech Therapy by Aaron McConchie, which had festival goers fill in speech bubbles that were posted up all over the Park. Other installation art pieces saw large mirror columns placed in a field, heart boxes hung in trees, floating swan art in the fresh water lagoon, beach sand shrines and large reflective cubes. It’s the active participation to bend, challenge and question perception that gives Splore more spirituality than the Parachute festival.
For me, what makes Splore so very special is its authentic attempt at green consciousness. This year saw public transport busses and eco toilets that used sawdust composting rather than bubbling tanks of sewage in portoloos. It’s these constant attempts alongside their zero waste policies to make the festival as sustainable as possible that attracts those who give a damn.
The food venders were delicious and the children’s tent kept families feeling welcome and kids entertained. The family element seems to keep everyone very tolerant and I saw only one drunk in the entire 3 days.
If there is a God, Splore will go annually instead of once every two years. Buy your tickets for 2015/2016 now, it’s really that good.
5 Stars
