Is Splendour In The Grass In Trouble?

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Is Splendour in the Grass in Trouble? A Fan's Perspective

Okay, so Splendour. Man, I love Splendour. It's been my go-to festival for, like, a decade. Muddy boots, questionable food decisions, and incredible music – it's basically a rite of passage for any Aussie who remotely cares about live gigs. But this year… this year felt different. And it got me thinking: is Splendour in the Grass actually in trouble?

Honestly, I'm a little worried. I mean, the lineup was solid, don't get me wrong. But the whole weekend felt…off. Let's dive into it, shall we?

The Mud, the Mayhem, and the Missed Opportunities

Remember 2019? Absolute biblical levels of mud. I swear I saw people kayaking through the campsites. That was a low point, sure. But this year? It felt…managed, but also underwhelming. It wasn't the torrential downpour that caused the chaos, but a series of logistical issues. This leads me to another key point.

This wasn't just about the mud; it was about how they handled the mud. The whole infrastructure felt…stretched thin. There weren't enough well-maintained paths, leading to serious congestion. I spent ages trying to get from the main stage to the food stalls – time I could've spent enjoying the music. It’s a core part of the Splendour experience, and it felt neglected. That's a problem.

My biggest gripe? The lack of clear communication. Seriously, the app was useless. It crashed more often than my old Nokia 3310. Information about schedule changes, transport options, even basic things like where the nearest bathroom was, were near impossible to find. This lack of communication directly impacted the fan experience, which is not good. They need to seriously upgrade their communication and infrastructure.

Ticket Prices and the Value Proposition

Let’s be honest, Splendour tickets ain’t cheap. They're getting progressively more expensive each year. And while the lineup is usually worth it (I’m looking at you, Flume!), this year, I questioned whether I got my money's worth. This year I even felt like I was paying a premium for the muddy mess.

My mates and I spent a decent amount of money on VIP tickets, hoping for a smoother experience, better facilities, less mud, you know. But it didn't entirely justify the cost difference. We're talking about hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars extra to avoid some problems. It's a premium you think it's worth, but the question is, is this something that will continue to make sense?

The Future of Splendour: A Hopeful Outlook?

So, is Splendour in trouble? I don't think it's doomed, not yet. But it needs to seriously up its game. Better communication, improved infrastructure, and maybe a rethink of ticket pricing are crucial for survival. They've got a loyal fanbase, but loyalty can only stretch so far, especially when your wallet's involved.

Here's my advice to Splendour:

• Invest in infrastructure: Seriously, better pathways, more toilets, better signage.
• Improve communication: A reliable app is non-negotiable. Clear, timely updates are essential.
• Consider ticket pricing: Balance the cost with the overall experience.

Splendour has always been more than just a music festival; it's an experience. But that experience needs to be consistently good, not just a gamble. The festival needs to keep up with the times. If they don't, it risks losing its magic – and its fans. Let's hope they learn from this year and come back even stronger. Because, honestly, I want to keep going for another decade.