Festivalgoers are flocking to sunny Byron Bay as Splendour in the Grass kicks off its jam-packed three days of music and arts.
Revellers attending the popular festival have been urged to be on their best behaviour, with a high-visibility police operation of more than 100 officers underway at the event, targeting drug use and alcohol-fuelled violence.
But it hasn’t deterred eager fans to flock to the Byron Bay parklands for a packed line-up including Lizzo, Flume and Mumford and Sons.
Even a disastrous 2022 which left thousands of concertgoers shivering in the cold and rain while coated in mud, up to 35,000 people are set to enjoy the festival this weekend.
Splendour In The Grass organisers were forced to apologise after last year’s festival was marred with numerous issues, including flooded campsites, boggy conditions and hours long delays getting visitors home.
Attendees reported waiting up to six hours in crowded, muddy lines to get on pre-booked buses out of the festival, while an entire day of music was cancelled and an outbreak of meningococcal was reported.
But this year revellers have flooded social media with the festival kicking off on Friday and gearing up for a wild weekend.
Pictures show attendees smiling and filming videos as the sun shone on the parklands for a dry start to the weekend.
Videos showed revellers dancing in groups in front of a stage, while others posed with friends on the notorious hill in celebration of the festival.
While festivalgoers are dressed to the nines and ready to party, the three-day party is struggling to make a comeback after a woeful 2022 festival.
Ticket sales are down 30 per cent with only 35,000 being sold this year compared to 50,000 last year.
While some believe it’s a result of the backlash the festival received last year, Splendour In The Grass co-producer Jessica Ducrou suggested it was a reflection of the “current economy” and the cost-of-living crisis.
Major frontliner Lewis Capaldi also cancelled his spot on the line-up weeks before the event, citing health issues.
“We are seeing a lot of people buying single-day tickets rather than three days and that is very much a reflection on the budget,” Ms Ducrou told the ABC.
“No doubt last year’s experiences have impacted on sales as well,” she said.
The festival will have a raft of new measures this year to avoid chaos, including new traffic management measures and vehicle passes to ensure revellers have a smooth entrance.
“We know last night’s journey home was s***** for some of you. It usually takes some time to get everyone out of the venue, we’re sorry you had that experience at Splendour,” the organisers said after last year’s festival.
Officers from the Tweed/Byron police region will also be on the site alongside the NSW Police Dog Unit to monitor the event.
Additional units from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command will also be deployed in the surrounding area to target drink-and-drug-driving and other dangerous activity by festival goers.
Police have been “working closely with event organisers” for months to ensure it runs smoothly, according to Superintendent Dave Roptell.
“Those who choose to do the wrong thing risk spoiling the event for themselves and others, and those who bring illicit substances can expect to be caught and dealt with accordingly,“ Superintendent Roptell said.
Superintendent Roptell said all festivalgoers had a role to play in looking out for each other.
“Drink plenty of water, have appropriate sun protection and keep an eye on your mates – ensure they don’t wander off alone, and if they appear unwell, seek professional medical attention immediately,” he said.
The festival will run until Sunday.
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