Rainbow Serpent Festival has long been one of the favourites on the calendar, and with the weather warming, the countdown is on. We had a chat with organiser Tim Harvey on the ins and outs of what it’s all about.
First things first, what sets Rainbow Serpent apart from other festivals?
Since its inception, Rainbow has given all her passengers the opportunity to combine their energy towards a central pivotal focus of community and connection. Anyone who’s experienced what is considered one of the world’s premier alternative festivals before will tell you, Rainbow is Rainbow because of the people who attend.
Such an inclusive and tolerant gathering is rare and if anything it’s getting rarer. We live in squeezed mental silos, relying more and more on digital connections, and less and less on real ones. As the world evolves and does its thing, events like Rainbow become more important, not just as cultural landmarks around which to define ourselves, but as opportunities to experience organic human connection.
So while we enjoy an unparalleled (in Australia at least) exotic sensory mix of music, art and lifestyle activities spread over four days it’s really the combined energy and love from our patrons that set us apart from other festivals.
We have heard there is this “family” vibe at the festival, have you felt this over the years?
Absolutely, Rainbow has always been an inclusive and family orientated event. As we have grown over the years we have worked hard to develop content and spaces for the younger members of our community to play and interact. These days our Kids Space continues to grow into a buzzing hive of activity where children learn, create and make new friends. Focusing on the magic of play and performance, relaxation and rest, education and awareness. We love to encourage the whimsical and joyous creativity of each child. Awe approaching our 19thRainbow Serpent Festival we also have the joy in seeing the children of our long term patrons grown and develop in to young adults.
Do you have a favourite RS memory from past festivals?
Every year there are stand out moments of music and art which take your breath away, so it’s hard to elevate one above all the others. Last year however I had the pleasure of showing my 80-year-old father and 71-year-old mother around for the first time. Like most people who haven’t been to Rainbow they never fully grasped how culturally significant and unique our gathering is. It was wonderful to see them experience not only the amazing art and sculptures but also the warmth of our patrons with multiple hugs from strangers completely blowing them away.
How much research goes into selecting the performers and musicians?
A phenomenal amount. Between us we have around 50 years of combined experience programming and running events. Nearly all of us started out as DJs and producers and have lived the last 20 years of our lives playing and working in the music industry. We enjoy an incredible dynamic and our tastes and styles complement each other perfectly. It’s the sort of team you can’t manufacture and we’re exceptionally fortunate to enjoy such a positive and productive working relationship and friendship. I think uniqueness of that dynamic shines through with both our bookings and programming each year.
What’s your biggest advice for first time RS goers?
To make the most out of Rainbow you need to become a part of our beautiful community and that can begin months in advance and last as long as you want. Get involved on our social media and forums in the months leading up to the festival. We have a wonderful bunch of long term attendees who are always ready and willing with great advice and assistance to Rainbow virgins. The one piece of advice that I’d give people attending for their first time is to treat our gathering as a marathon and not a sprint, otherwise you’re doing to miss so so much.
Is there any “typical” RS goer or are they all different?
Our patrons transcend all stereotypes and demographics. People fly from all over the planet to attend our festival each year and I have personally met brain surgeons, nuclear physicists, truck drivers, lawyers, doctors, police, engineers, students and even the odd politician. The love of music, art and human connection is something that is valued and enjoyed by almost everyone on our planet and Rainbow Serpent Festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience what the rest of the world can hopefully one day be like.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.rainbowserpent.net.
When & Where: Lexton, Victoria – January 22-25