The wind, music and good times were at an all-time high on the fourth and final day of Beyond The Valley 2025. The Day 3 fatigue was shaken off with attendees eager to get back into high spirits and ring in the New Year in the best way possible.
It was a much cooler day, which was nice in comparison to earlier days, but borderline uncomfortable especially as the sun set. The wind and dust was noticeably worse too, making it difficult to enjoy just wandering around the grounds.
I secured a spot at the barrier just in time for The Temper Trap’s set. Thousands gathered to support the Melbourne band, drawing one of the biggest crowds I’ve seen during daylight. They kicked off their set with “Love Lost”, which was the right move for a festival crowd who was eager to hear the singles. Newer tracks were received well although brought the excitement down just a notch since people couldn’t sing along. Once it was time for “Sweet Disposition”, the mood was set perfectly. The crowd erupted into one of the best sing alongs I’ve experienced, it was truly a very special moment.
Next was Turnstile. I’m not going to lie, they were the main reason I found myself at Beyond The Valley this year. The Baltimore hardcore band seemed like an odd fit for a rave festival, but the outdoor setting made perfect sense. As their slot drew near, I was disappointed to see that only a small crowd had gathered. However, once their performance started, people were drawn in by their enormous energy and soon the ground was full. I was one of a handful of people who knew the lyrics, but this didn’t stop the crowd from getting into it. A circle pit was quick to open, and there were even a few crowd surfers. Their set was electrifying. I’ve never witnessed such a wholesome yet massive energy from a live performance, and it was made complete by their impressive set and lighting design. This was the peak of BTV for me, and the most fun I’d had during a set across the four days.
The crowd continue to gather as Kid Cudi’s set approached, with some waiting hours on the barrier for this moment. I watched from afar as he opened his set with a calm and collected energy, looking extremely happy to be there and impressed by the looks of the massive audience. His set was full of hits, closing on his biggest track “Pursuit Of Happiness”. Everyone was up on their feet dancing, vibing and singing along at the top of their lungs. His set definitely helped build the anticipation for the headline act, but very much felt like its own thing too. It was clear that there were people who had turned up just for this moment, and his set was definitely the highlight for many.
At 11:59, Dom Dolla took the stage and the countdown began. At this point, it was almost impossible to get a decent view unless you managed to somehow keep your barrier-spot or push your way to the front, but it wasn’t about the view. This was the moment that everyone had been waiting for- not just a chance to see one of the world’s biggest DJs, but to put 2025 to rest and welcome 2026 with open, sweaty arms. Midnight saw an explosion of confetti and fireworks, while the crowd exchanged intimate moments with besties and newfound friends. The moment was perfected by the most precise beat-drop and a satisfying set from Australia’s very own Dom Dolla.
My first Beyond The Valley was an experience to say the least, and something I’ll always remember. I definitely felt my age, but despite this I enjoyed myself. The crowds were respectful, and each artist brought their a-game. One thing that surprised me most was that the music definitely wasn’t the main attraction for many, with most people just wanting to have fun with friends over seeing artists- a very different vibe from most festivals I’ve been to, but not necessarily a bad thing.
Beyond The Valley 2025 was a beautifully-organised festival, and the perfect way to end the year and welcome the next. The grounds were kept clean, there was constantly new things to discover and experience, and the live music was the perfect cherry on top.
Photos credit of author
