Splendour punters get together for a dance. Photo by Miranda Stokkel.

When the gates opened on Thursday, North Byron Parklands became a home away from home to our Splendour campers, many of whom kicked off their weekend that evening at the Mix Up stage.  Red Bull Music’s A Night With Dallas Woods, Baker Boy, UV Boi, Hoops, The Formula and more all performed killer sets.

On Friday, Adelaide’s West Thebarton set the tone with a pedal to the metal set of raw Aussie rock; Jack River pulled a huge crowd at the GW McLennan for a sing-along set that included Fool’s Gold and a cover of Tal Bachman’s She’s So High; Murray Cook (aka the Red Wiggle) made a surprise appearance with DZ Deathrays and fully shredded some ACDC Highway to Hell; Baker Boy’s Black Magic had the whole Mix Up jumping; Dune Rats were joined by A.B. Original, Alex Lahey, Drapht, Mallrat, Tkay Maidza, WAAX, Hockey Dad, DZ Deathrays, Gooch Palms and one of The Bennies for a heaps fun set that included covers of Basement Jaxx, The Offspring and Black Eyed Peas; and Lorde brought the night to an end with a transcendent set that included all her hits, a wardrobe malfunction and a cover of Powderfinger’s My Happiness.

Lorde performing at SITG2018 on Friday night.

Saturday was chilly, but the sets were hot! And while Chvrches, Franz Ferdinand, Ben Harper, Vampire Weekend and all the internationals delivered huge sets. The Aussie’s were really in their element! Byron Bay Unearthed winner Seaside opened on the Amphitheatre stage with their dreamy pop and a cover of Pixies Hey; Amy Shark took to the stage on a high after being presented with an ARIA No. 1 plaque backstage just prior to her set; WAAX surprised the crowd at the GW McLennan when they invited Bernard Fanning to the stage to perform Don’t Wanna Be Left Out; and both Methyl Ethel and Gang of Youths turned the Amphitheatre into one monumental sing-along. We could go on and on. So. Many. Great. Moments.

Sunday kicked off with a punk rock service by Amyl & The Sniffers and a call from lead singer Amy to “Wake the fuck up, Splendour!”. The people listened and the crowd swelled for a blistering set by UK artist Yungblud.  PNAU filled the Amphitheatre for one of the highlights of the weekend – a crazy, colourful journey to planet good times with a set list that included their classics to a brand new track. After a guest appearances with Dunies on Friday, both Mallrat and Hockey Dad pulled huge crowds to the Mix Up and GW McLennan stages, with Hockey Dad surprising punters with their own special guest, Aussie rock icon Tim Rogers. MGMT, Ball Park Music, The Wombats and Girl Talk all delivered killer sets too but as we edged towards the end of Splendour 2018 it was all about Kung Fu Kenny. Kendrick Lamar stunned a capacity crowd in the Amphitheatre with a performance that showed us all why he is one of the biggest acts on the planet right now. The entire Amphitheatre crowd singing HUMBLE after Kendrick cut the music is something that nobody is gonna forget any time soon.

PNAU at SITG2018.

When they weren’t at The Amphitheatre, Mix Up Stage, GW McLennan Tent and Tiny Dancer stages, Splendour punters ate and shopped at 130+ food and market stalls; crafted up a storm at Splendour in the Craft; marveled at Splendour Arts’ Snoop Dogg Hotdogs, pelted mud at Shock Therapy Productions The Cleaners and more; did the downward dog, drummed, watched cabaret and more at The Global Village; discussed the hot topics of today and the future at The Forum and expanded their minds at the Science Tent and Tipi Forest. And our littlest rockers partied until they were pooped at Little Splendour.

Angus and Julia Stone perform at SITG2018 with a decorative set.

Health Services Manager Stephen Barnes said “This year we saw a further reduction of presentations so I would like to congratulate all the Splendour patrons for looking after themselves and each other. We also introduced a GP service and counsellors which was a great success.”

Co-producers Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco said “What a weekend! Splendour 2018 was one to remember and we want to say a huge thanks to our Splendour community for their enthusiasm for our event. You guys are the magic that makes Splendour so special. Big love to you all! See you next year.”

.

.

Splendour in the Grass is a proud partner and supporter of Your Choice, working to create a safer and more enjoyable live gathering environment for everyone.

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2018
Friday 20 July, Saturday 21 July and Sunday 22 July
North Byron Parklands

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | SNAPCHAT

#SITG2018

AMNPLIFY – CP