Splendour In The Grass: Fan Worries

Trend Radar

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Jan 23, 2025

35 visitor like this post

Share

Splendour in the Grass: Fan Worries – My Survival Guide (and a Few Near-Death Experiences!)

Okay, so Splendour. You've heard the legends, right? The mud, the epic music, the… well, let's just say things happen. This year was my fifth time, and I've seen it all. From blissful sun-drenched days to torrential downpours that turned the festival into a giant, muddy swamp – I've been through the ringer. And let me tell you, there are definitely some things you need to know before you go. This ain't your grandma's picnic in the park.

The Mud, Oh God, The Mud!

This is the BIG ONE. The Splendour mud is legendary, and not in a good way. I remember one year – 2018 I think – it rained basically non-stop. My brand new boots? Gone. Completely submerged. I spent the whole weekend sloshing around in a pair of borrowed Crocs that were three sizes too big. It was humiliating.

Pro Tip #1: Don't wear your best shoes. Seriously. Pack old sneakers or wellies (rubber boots, for you non-Aussies). And maybe some waterproof bags for your phone and wallet – you don't want those things getting muddy!

The Crowds – Navigating the Human Tsunami

Splendour is HUGE. Like, ridiculously huge. Getting around can feel like navigating a human tsunami. Finding your friends in that crowd is also a skill I've honed over many years. I nearly lost my best mate Sarah once – she'd wandered off to grab a drink and I couldn't find her for like, an hour! It was stressful.

Pro Tip #2: Designate a meeting spot. And maybe a backup meeting spot. And stick to it! It's much easier than texting someone who's buried in a sea of humanity. Also, download the Splendour app – it's surprisingly useful for seeing set times and, you know, not getting lost.

Keeping Your Belongings Safe – Avoiding the Pickpocket Pirates!

Pickpockets, unfortunately, are a real concern at any large festival. I learned this the hard way. In 2019, some sneaky dude tried to swipe my phone right out of my bag. I didn’t even feel it until I looked around and my bag was open. I was pretty ticked off, let me tell you.

Pro Tip #3: Use a crossbody bag or a fanny pack. They’re harder to steal from. Keep your valuables close, and ideally, don’t bring anything you wouldn’t be happy to lose. Less is more, my friends. Less is definitely more.

Staying Hydrated – The Importance of Water (and Avoiding the Dehydration Demons!)

Dehydration is a real threat at Splendour. The sun, the dancing, the copious amounts of questionable beverages… it all adds up. I've seen people looking seriously rough from not drinking enough water. It's not a joke, guys. Seriously, I'm getting dramatic here, but it is serious.

Pro Tip #4: Bring a reusable water bottle. Seriously. The water stations are often crowded, but this is easier than carrying many small bottles of water all day long. And it helps the environment!

Planning Your Attack – Making the Most of Your Splendour Experience

The set times are released, so plan what bands you want to see in advance. And remember that you cannot possibly see every band that you want to see. It’s a difficult lesson to learn. The lineup is usually epic, that’s why there's so much excitement and hype, but don't feel stressed about seeing everything.

Pro Tip #5: Check out the stage locations and work out travel times between sets – you don’t want to miss your favourite bands because you spent 20 minutes trying to navigate the festival site. Also, be prepared for delays. The crowds and the distances between stages can be deceiving.

Splendour is incredible – an unforgettable experience. But be prepared. If you plan properly, it's a truly amazing few days of music and madness. Just remember the mud, the crowds, and the importance of staying hydrated. You'll be fine. (Mostly.)