The end of the year is nigh, and the Australian summer sun has finally decided to make an appearance, just in time for Beyond The Valley to kick off today.
Day one was off to a cracking start with tops of 28 degrees and a gentle, cool breeze. This is my first year attending the festival, so I really wasn’t sure what I’d be in for, but after a little traffic on the highway and many wrong turns thanks to slightly confusing signage (and a lack thereof), I finally made it and boy am I glad I did.
As patrons finished setting up their campsites, I had a few moments almost entirely to myself on the festival grounds- and what a sight to behold. The Valley Stage was still being set up today, but the Dance Dome looked spectacular in all its brightly coloured glory, and on the other side of the grounds was Dr Dans, an impressive makeshift set-up, made from shipping containers.
A Ferris wheel sits in the centre of the grounds, the blue summery sky the perfect backdrop, as well as the Red Bull Unforeseen area which is set up to look like a car wash with a hidden party inside. Then there’s the Poof Doof, Jack Daniel’s House Party and The Palms Pool House- most of which were still being set up today but looked incredibly impressive nonetheless.
It’s these incredible details that make the festival grounds feel so special- a Smirnoff Ice Cream parlour with a doof stick parking area, food trucks a plenty, a QV wellness tent where yoga, pilates and massages can be booked, and even a Bunnings help desk, complete with a sausage sizzle and free Bunnings hats in the Main Street area.
Though the Valley Stage was closed today, smaller DJ sets in the Dance Dome and Dr Dans were going off with attendees eager to get into the action. Buggies carefully zoomed around as bump-in continued to happen around patrons, however it didn’t feel too chaotic due to the low number of attendees trickling in. It definitely felt like a warm-up day, which is much-needed given the massive few days that lie ahead.
Notable sets from Cooper Smith, Mon Franco, House Mum and Haus of Ralph really got the Dance Dome pumping, while Alicia, Hazard and Luset warmed up Dr Dans.
Wandering around the grounds, I realised that I’d been missing out on this for years. It’s clear to see why people fall in love with this festival, and the fun has hardly started.
If you’re planning to arrive tomorrow, be sure to plan ahead to avoid traffic, drive safely and slip, slop, slap! It’s going to be an ever hotter one, and with the Valley Stage open and ready to host so many iconic artists, day 2 is promising to be a highlight.
Header photo credit: author
