Can you think of a better way to celebrate the beginning of a new year than not properly showering for four days, running on little to no sleep, lining up for drop dunnies and paying a fortune for alcohol? While all of these things may sound unappealing to some, Falls Music and Arts Festival has a magical way of making all of your worries disappear as you immerse yourself in the music.
Falls, for the festival lovers out there, is a tranquil getaway on top of a beautiful natural amphitheatre, hidden in Lorne’s foot hills. It features some of the most current and nostalgic acts the alternative pop scene can offer and attracts thousands of people to the stunning location.
It’s hard to put into words the mood created when thousands of young people congregate from all across the country with the sole intent of sending off the year in the most musical of styles. When the cars are thoroughly checked at the gates, security are sure to confiscate all contraband, but left behind with your goon sacks is any stress and anxiety you may have had upon entry, as what’s left when you enter the gate is an eager anticipation to have a good time until the moment you leave, and even then you’re counting down until next years road trip to Lorne.
This year punters endured and even embraced eerie fogs and deafening thunderstorms, to be rewarded with glorious sunshine on the last day to see out 2018. The performers were as phenomenal as always; with Aussie favourites like Vance Joy and Jack River eliciting heart warming “throw your arm around a mate and sing along” moments.
We were also blessed with huge international acts; Dizzee Rascal near blasting the roof off the Grand Theatre on night one with high energy entertainment and Catfish and the Bottlemen bringing the Valley Stage alive as the clock struck 12 am on December 31st.
More crowd favourites included up and comer Alice Skye, who blew the early crowds away with her humble debut falls performance and captivating presence on stage, and rock legends Toto who had the entire crowd singing old classics like ‘Africa’ and at the top of their lungs with their phones in the air as the sun set over the surreal world that is Falls Music and Arts Festival.
Hilltop Hoods are always a festival favourite, being no different this year as they kicked off with ‘Chase That Feeling’ and ‘Nosebleed Section’ having everyone in the crowd reminiscing about past performances and their early appreciation of hip-hop music. Both Ocean Alley and Cub Sport proved their talent with breath-taking live performances that will no doubt be cemented in the memories of all that were there, earning their songs ‘Knees’ and ‘Sometimes’ my vote in this years triple j Hottest 100 Countdown.
The atmosphere of the Falls Festival crowd is something that has to be seen to be believed. There’s people up on shoulders, best friends embracing each other when their favourite song is played in real time and a sea of people singing and swaying in unison towards the musician on stage. It’s a beautiful and addictive experience that is the reason that thousands of people attend Falls Music and Arts Festival, and are forever reminiscing about the memories they have made.
Where: Lorne, Victoria
When: 28 – 31 December 2018
Reviewed by Bethany O’Sullivan