You asked for a comprehensive review (well... maybe you didnt, but you're getting one, alright?!?!) and here it is. What else was brilliant about Splendour this year?... except the music and the bands, that is.
Bracken Ridge Tavern
Unexpected delays result in heading off from Brisbane to Woodford just as most of the bottle-o’s (ie. takeaway alchohol selling establishments) were closing up. We embark on a desperate improvised tour of the suburbs in search of vodka to fill our ribena squeezies, taking in a random servo, the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Sandgate, getting directions from an assortment of locals that eventually leads us to Bracken Ridge Tavern. If you’re ever in the area, stop in, have a beer, and thank them for us.
Byron Bay Organic Donuts
Filled with either blackberry jam or dark chocolate (we’ve never bothered with plain, we assume they’re a waste of time), these sugar-coated deep-fried pockets of awesomeness make an outstanding breakfast, afternoon tea, dessert, or anytime snack.
Interstitial Soundtrack
Throughout the weekend the music played between bands on the main stage continued to surprise and delight. The Fratellis’ Flathead, Machine Gun Fellatio’s Rollercoaster and Nick Cave’s Red Right Hand were personal favourites.
Toilet Paper
It is nice here.
Loose Carnage
Those of you paying attention will remember that Loose Carnage opened for us at Laneway when we djed. We are thrilled to report that they are still going strong and dj-ed at the Jager Lodge on Sunday morning. Nothing like a nice refreshing jager and ginger beer (jager bomb) before noon. Although seeing the booze gradually dissolving the adhesive in the paper cup was a bit disconcerting.
Amphitheatre
It is HUGE. And very steep. The views and sound in the amphitheatre are great, and it’s an amazing place to be when it’s packed full of people.
Food and Market Stalls
The sheer number of stalls selling anything and everything was impressive. Coconut watches were a highlight, and also whoever it was that gave us free stubby holders on the first morning. Very handy, thank you, mysterious stallholder! We are sure they were promoting something but we have no idea what. Marketing fail. Food options were many and varied, and generally of decent quality. Highlights were some very tasty Indian curry, awesome cajun nachos, burritos, the compulsory dagwood dog and several cups of freshly squeezed oj. Also there were lots of places to get good coffee without a huge line which made mornings that much easier to cope with. Huzzah.
Bars
There was no shortage of places to hang out and get a drink during breaks in the timetable. Hard to choose between yummy cocktails on the upper level overlooking the pond, the Strongbow nautical-themed bar complete with actual real life boat (which apparently was booked for an actual real life private function when we went to have a look. At a festival. For reals. Dumbfounded), Mexican Cantina serving margaritas on tap, Jager Hunting Lodge with leather lounge setting and rocking chairs or the Pontoon bar where you can while away an hour or so on the front verandah among the fishing nets and plastic crustaceans.