Darwin’s Mindil Beach, nestled on the shore of Larrakia country, is known for it’s iconic tropical sunsets and night-time beach markets. It’s also home to the equally iconic BASSINTHEGRASS musical festival that has been a feature in Darwins music scene since 2003. This year was no exception, with the Hilltops Hoods proudly proclaiming that this was their ninth appearance at the festival.
The event is more than just music, with face painters, barbers, hair braiders on hand as well as sexual health stalls and safe and secure spaces for any sensory or physical disability. With places like low sensory zones, and alcohol free parklets, there were a great range of attendees, from families with young children to those of autumn years. The support comes not only from the locals, but some people had travelled from as far as Adelaide and Tasmania just to be there.
The leafy parklands lend themselves to an immersive experience, in amongst the palm trees surrounded by ancient Raintrees, Tamarinds, Milkwoods and remnant Cycads. A myriad of small parks are nestled in amongst the forest overlooking the two main stages. Near the entrance the BASSment stage was pumping high energy tunes all day. The Silent Disco was popular all day long with a ever-rotating lineup of DJ’s. Darwin is known as having a melting pot of Asian cuisine and there was a plethora of tastes to choose from. Mexican food. Grilled octopus and prawns. Brazilian pastries. The Australian festival staple, curly potato on a stick.
Those arriving early in the day were treated to Hope D, who celebrated her birthday playing some catchy and fun tunes with her band. We’re sure to hear more of this Queensland award winner as she captured the audience’s attention and played a storm.
Sydney Indie rockers The Rions were up next and continued to ramp the energy levels up. Their latest single “Shut You Out” fitted nicely in amongst “Passionfruit” and “Time Will Try.” The heat was rising with Tim Benson aka Taste Club cranking the hard beats and Latifa Tee giving a summer dance vibe to the afternoon.
This was Meg Mac‘s second appearance at the festival and she treated the audience to a solid set of old favourites such as “Grace Gold”, “I’m Not Coming Back” and “Roll Up Your Sleeves” as well as her haunting rendition of “Grandma’s Hands”. Her sister Hannah joined her on stage, having been a part of her musical journey since childhood. She finished with a new song “He Said No”, played live for the first time with a fantastic response. When questioned after the show about what she enjoys about making music, she revealed:
“I think music can make you feel powerful, and it can give you the strength. I think sometimes, if you can’t find the strength out in the world, you can find it with your voice, or you can find it in your own way. So that’s why I use music”.
Over at the BASSment stage, Australian hip-hop collective 3%, led by Nooky, Dallas Woods, and Angus Field, cooked up a wicked storm of politically charges anthems. Although he doesn’t currently live in Darwin, the crowd claimed CYRIL as their own as he performed a light and smoke filled mix of hits that kept the crowd dancing. He was joined by Aussie rock legend Shannon Noll and Darwin singer-songwriter Caiti Baker for a high-energy performance of their viral hit “Stumblin’ In”.
By now the illuminated giant jellyfish became a thriving meeting spot.
Queensland post-hardcore rockers The Amity Affliction hit the stage with a passion. The heavy hardcore sound resonated with the audience. The Jungle Giants followed with more of a party vibe including plenty of beach balls bouncing between the stage and the audience. The four-piece have been playing together since high school. Lead singer Sam taunted and teased the crowd into a virtual frenzy, that felt more like a wild backyard party than a massive festival. Is it just because Darwin is such a friendly and welcoming town?
Then of course it aint no party like a Hilltop Hoods party. The Adelaide rockers opened with “Chase that Feeling” and it was all filler from then on. Spotting a young fan in the crowd wearing HTH merch, they dedicated “The Nosebleed Section” to him. Ironically the song is older than he is. Darwin lad Marlon then joined the stage for their latest single “The Gift.”
Hot Dub Time Machine kept the sound and visuals pumping, as weary and satisfied punters filed out into the free buses which serviced various parts of town. An exciting and fun filled day of music and fun, where the audience play as much a part of the event as the artists. So many people dressed up that half the fun was people watching. Check out the photos of the day below.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
The reviewer attended BASSINTHEGRASS courtesy of NT Major Events Company
BASSINTHEGRASS will return to Mindil Beach in 2026, with the date to be announced later this year. Sign up to be one of the first to know at bassinthegrass.com.au.
