More than 35,000 festival goers descended on Byron Bay for 2023's Splendour in the Grass. The music festival spanned three days from July 21 to 23, and the atmosphere was so vibrant that even when it ended on the Sunday, I wanted more.
This year's lineup covered a range of genres, from the melodic folk rock of Mumford and Sons to the electrifying beats of world-renowned DJ Flume and the infectious energy of pop sensation Lizzo. I'll never forget the mesmerising moment at the main stage during Flume's set, when his transitions were nothing short of breathtaking. One particular transition into a remix of Eiffel 65's Blue left me in awe.
“The music at Splendour this year was simply unreal,” said Marcus Cristallo, a UOW student who travelled with me from Wollongong.
“Multiple different genres, international superstars and crazy DJs, I mean, what more could I have asked for, there was really something for everyone.”
In addition to the music, the festival offered a variety of daytime activities, such as meditation and yoga. You could also try popular American games like cornhole, which involves throwing small sacks into holes on boards.
Thousands of festival goers embraced the full camping experience and I was thankful to be one of them. The weather was pleasantly cooperative throughout, with mostly sunny skies. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, creating connections in our own group and with fellow campers around us.
“Music festivals like this give people a chance to socialise with people outside of their friend groups, basically creating a neighbourly bond in the camp site,” said Sean Daniels, who also travelled to the festival from Wollongong.
“There was a time where we were just playing some casual beer pong on the neighbour's ute, like there was very little shyness for interaction.”
Marcus and Sean took the trip up to Byron Bay with seven other UOW students, including myself, as a way to end our winter break. As well as strengthening the group's bond, we made solid friendships with other festival goers.
“Spending that much time with the same people that you were already close with, it just helped grow all our friendships,” Sean said.
“We all got to see some of the best acts in the world together and it’s something that I’ll never forget.”
Every break, university students look for opportunities to engage in a unique and memorable experience with their friends. Splendour in the Grass tops many wish lists.
“With lineups being completely different and diverse it just creates such a unique experience every time you go,” Marcus said.
“If you haven’t been to one, I recommend giving it a try.”
3 Highlights on the Student Calendar
- Listen out – Saturday, September 30. Closest one to the Illawarra is at Centennial Park, Sydney. Headliners: Skrillex, Metro Boomin, Lil Uzi Vert, Ice Spice. Check out the Listen out website
- Yours and Owls – Saturday and Sunday, October 14 and 15 at University of Wollongong campus. Headliners: Chet Faker, Hilltop Hoods, Lil Tjay, Sam Alfred. Check out the Yours and Owls website
- Spilt Milk – Saturday, November 25. Closest one to the Illawarra; Exhibition Park, Canberra. Headliners: Post Malone, Dom Dolla, Aitch, Chris Lake. Check out the Spilt Milk website
