Every year it seems Bluesfest returns with an even bigger lineup than the year before. It always seems impossible they’ll outdo themselves, yet they never fail to do it.
It’s almost time now for Bluesfest 2018 to kick off, and this year’s lineup is nothing short of huge – featuring such acts as Lionel Richie, Robert Plant, Ms. Lauryn Hill, as well as Aussies John Butler Trio and Tash Sultana.
Bluesfest is one of, if not the best weekend-long music festival in Australia. If you’re wise you’ll be going – and here’s how to make the most of it.
If you haven’t already got yourself a ticket, make a good decision and grab one now. Bluesfest will undoubtedly be one of the best weekends of your life.
Now going to a weekend-long music festival can take a bit of effort. A lot of preparation needs to go in, for you to get the most out. So, your good pals here at Happy Mag have put together a definitive guide for a successful Bluesfest weekend.
Music
Alright. I doubt there’ll be too many arguments when I stress the most important part of a music festival is the music. No festival operates under this mindset with more conviction than Bluesfest.
Firstly, you’re going to have to tweak up on your memory of Lionel Richie lyrics, for when you’re belting out ballads with the man on the Monday night.
Aside from the headliners, Bluesfest boast an incredibly dense lineup brimming with insane talent. Asgier, Holy Holy, All Our Exes Live In Texas, and Hurray For The Riff Raff are all acts sure not to be missed.
Plan Out Your Weekend
Festivals can be overwhelming. Failure to arrive prepared will leave you feeling like a deer in headlights. With the playing times announced, make sure you whip out your favourite highlighter and mark where you want to be and when. Last thing you want is to miss your fave act.
The schedule’s far too huge to throw into this article, so grab a look here.
Boomerang
Not the weird Instagram video things. This is heaps better. This year Bluesfest have announced that they’re teaming with Boomerang Festival once again to celebrate the voices and stories of Indigenous culture.
Boomerang is pretty much a festival within the festival, “managed and programmed from an Aboriginal perspective.” It will feature a unique range of music, dance, weaving, and traditional healing programs.
Protect Yourself From The Elements
Many times in my life, I have battled with Mother Nature… and friend, it’s not a battle I’ve ever won. The elements are cruel and unforgiving – protect yourself.
Firstly, put on some goddamn sunscreen. And I mean really slap it on – you wan’t it to last the whole day. A mere hour in the harsh sun can leave you looking redder than Barnaby Joyce. A few days later you’ll be shedding your skin like some reptilian freak. Best bet is to avoid the whole situation and whack on on SPF.
Also, take a pair of gumboots. Even if it’s not raining, the grounds still tend to get muddy. Perhaps an even more tragic fate than sunburn is to get wet socks. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy. Solution = gumboots.
Bluesfest takes place Thursday March 29th – Monday April 2nd. Suss out tickets and all other info here.
