VF's Top Tips: Other Festivals Down Under

Australia | | 08 January 2008

VF' Top 8 Picks of Other Great Fests Down Under:

8 - Bluesfest – Byron Bay, NSW – 20-24 March
This five-day festival brings together a host of big Blues names as well as a host of international rock and indie acts to the surfer’s paradise Byron Bay.
Three to see: Buddy Guy, Don McLean and Angus and Julie Stone.

7 - WOMADelaide – Adelaide Botanic Gardens, SA – 7-9 March
Peter Gabriel’s World-Music festival has reached the Australian shores with a mixture of artists ranging from jazz, funk, reggae, African music and hip hop. The family-friendly event aims to give an insight into different cultures with over 100 art, craft and international food stalls.
Three to see: Beirut, Farafina and Toumani Diabate.

6 – St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival – Various, AUS 23 February - 2 March
St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival is another event that tours the country taking in Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney. Organisers erect a stage in the streets of each city and fill it with up-and-coming acts from around the world.
Three to see: Feist, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and Dan Deacon.

5 - Playground Weekender – Del Rio Resort, Wiseman’s Ferry, NSW - 7–9 March
Set in a stunning site, complete with kangaroos, the Playground Weekender sees revellers arrive by catamaran. The three-day event has five stages of eclectic music ranging from dance to indie as well as a cinema, healing zone and a swimming pool.
Three to see: Norman Jay, Tom Middleton and The Wombats.

4 – Soundwave Festival – Various, AUS – 23 February – 3 March
This touring festival is one for those who like it a little bit harder. The event sets up camp at Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adeliade and Perth, bringing with it three stages of international metal and rock acts as well as some local bands too.
Three to see: Incubus, Killswitch Engage and Coheed and Cambria.

3 – Future Music Festival – Various, AUS – 1-10 March
Five Australian cities are set for a 12-day marathon of cutting-edge electronica and dance DJs. The latest house, breaks, trance and techno are all showcased at Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide with some international artists spinning the choons.
Three to see: The Chemical Brothers, DJ Yoda and John Digweed.

2 – V Festival (AUS) – Various, AUS – 29 March – 6 April
Similar to its UK sister event, V Festival Australia splashes the cash to bring in a selection of choice international artists as well as setting a platform for local talent. 50,000 are expect to turn up to each of the one-day touring shows that take in Sydney, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth.
Three to see: Smashing Pumpkins, Queens of the Stone Age and Air.

1 – Good Vibrations – Various, AUS – 9-17 February
The Good Vibrations festival is housed at four cities around the country but it’s always held in natural surroundings like botanical gardens, parklands and natural amphitheatres. 2008 will see the event take in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney and Perth.
Three to see: Kanye West, Cypress Hill and Pharoahe Monch.