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Splendour in the Grass

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Splendour in the Grass
Editors performing at Splendour in the Grass in 2007
GenreIndie rock, hip hop, electronic, alternative
DatesLate July–Early August
LocationsAustralia
Years active2001–2023
FoundersJessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco
WebsiteOfficial Website

Splendour in the Grass, commonly referred to as Splendour, is an Australian music festival first held in 2001.[1] Its most recent edition took place in 2023 at North Byron Parklands in Yelgun, New South Wales.[2] Earlier editions were held near Byron Bay and at Woodford, Queensland. The planned 2024 edition was cancelled, and organisers announced that the festival would not return in 2025.[3][4]

History

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Splendour in the Grass was launched in 2001 by co-founders Jessica Ducrou and Paul Piticco through Village Sounds Agency and Secret Service.[1] It began as a one-day winter music event.

A 1804 poem, "Ode: Intimations of Immortality", by English poet William Wordsworth, was the inspiration for the events naming.[5] The festival extended to two days in 2002 and three days in 2009.[6] Splendour relocated from Byron Bay in New South Wales, to Woodford in Queensland, for its 2010 and 2011 editions while approval for the proposed North Byron Parklands venue remained unresolved.[7] It returned to Belongil Fields in Byron Bay in 2012.[8] The 2013 edition was the first held at North Byron Parklands.[9] In March 2019, North Byron Parklands received permanent approval as the home of Splendour in the Grass and Falls Festival.[10]

The festival featured established and emerging artists. The music festival has attracted notable artists such as Coldplay, Powderfinger, Arctic Monkeys, Kanye West, Tame Impala and Lorde.

Australian artist Flume first performed at Splendour in an early-afternoon Mix Up Tent slot in 2012, closed the same stage in 2013 and headlined the main stage in 2016. He then returned as a headliner in 2023.[11][12] Performance slots at the festival were also awarded through triple j Unearthed competitions, with winners including Tones and I in 2019 and DICE and GIMMY in 2023.[12][13][14]

The 2020 edition was postponed until 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] In March 2021, the festival was rescheduled from July to November, before being moved again to July 2022 in August 2021.[16][17] In its place, Splendour held the virtual festival Splendour XR on 24 and 25 July 2021. The event received A$1.5 million through the federal government’s RISE program and was hosted on Sansar. Performances included Khalid, The Killers, Charli XCX, CHVRCHES, Denzel Curry, Vance Joy, Tash Sultana and Masked Wolf.[18]

The festival returned in July 2022. All main-stage performances on the first day, including Gorillaz’s scheduled headline set, were cancelled because of severe weather and flooding. The Strokes and Tyler, the Creator headlined the following two nights.[19][20][21][22]

Genesis Owusu performing at the festival in 2022.

The 2023 edition was also held in July, featuring Lizzo, Flume, and Mumford & Sons.[2]

The 2024 edition was scheduled to run from 19 to 21 July, with Kylie Minogue, Future and Arcade Fire headlining the festival.[3] The festival was cancelled on 27 March 2024, with organisers citing “unexpected events”.[3] Following the cancellation, Australian Festival Association managing director Mitch Wilson told triple j’s Hack program that ticket sales had been insufficient to cover rising festival costs, which he said had increased by 30 to 40 percent.[23]

In January 2025, organisers announced that Splendour in the Grass would not return in 2025, saying the festival needed more time before returning in the future.[4]

Ownership

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According to company records reviewed by The Guardian, Secret Sounds Group owns or has interests in Splendour in the Grass Pty Ltd.[24] In 2016, Live Nation Entertainment acquired a 51 per cent controlling stake in Secret Sounds Group.[25] Live Nation increased its stake in Secret Sounds in July 2023 after exercising an option to acquire additional shares from the company’s other shareholders.[24]

Awards and nominations

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National Live Music Awards

[edit]

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
National Live Music Awards of 2016[26] Splendour in the Grass Best Live Music Festival or Event Nominated
National Live Music Awards of 2017[27][28] Splendour in the Grass Best Live Music Festival or Event Nominated
National Live Music Awards of 2018[29][30] Splendour in the Grass NSW Live Event of the Year Won

Festival summary by year

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Edition Year Dates Headliner/s
1st 2001 21 July
2nd 2002 20–21 July
3rd 2003 19–20 July
4th 2004 24–25 July
5th 2005 23–24 July
6th 2006 22–23 July
7th 2007 4–5 August
8th 2008 2–3 August
9th 2009 25–26 July
10th 2010 30 July–August 1
11th 2011 29–31 July
12th 2012 27–29 July
13th 2013 26–28 July
14th 2014 25–27 July
15th 2015 24–26 July
16th 2016 22–24 July
17th 2017 21–23 July
18th 2018 20–22 July
19th 2019 19–21 July
20th 2020 Originally scheduled for 24–26 July, later rescheduled to 23–25 October, later postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic[31][15] Booked for 2020:
2021 Originally scheduled for 23–25 July, later rescheduled to 19–21 November, later postponed to 2022 due to ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic[16][17]

Booked for 2021:

2022 22–24 July
21st 2023 21–23 July
22nd 2024 Originally scheduled for 19–21 July, later cancelled due to 'unexpected events'.[32]

Lineups

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Controversies

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Ticketing Issues

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Tickets for the 2005 festival were sold out within 11 hours and, soon after, festival tickets that initially cost A$125 were offered on eBay at inflated prices of up to A$3000. The festival organisers responded by sending "cease and desist" letters to eBay, as well as around 150 ticket resellers, citing a breach of the conditions of sale. However, eBay refused to block the ticket auctions, claiming it was the seller's responsibility to ensure that they have the ability and right to sell products. The Triple J radio station encouraged its listeners to sabotage the bidding process and fake bids of up to A$10,000 were consequently listed on eBay by protesters opposed to ticket scalping.[33] Following media coverage, the NSW Department of Fair Trading became involved and met with eBay representatives. The then-Fair Trading Minister John Hatzistergos instructed the Office of Fair Trading to investigate the reselling of tickets and determine whether resellers were in breach of the Fair Trading Act. Festival promoters hoped that the investigation would eventually lead to the introduction of anti-ticket scalping legislation.

To combat ticket scalping, organisers introduced a new ticketing system for the 2006 festival. Purchasers were required to provide the name and date of birth of each ticket holder, which were printed on the ticket, and attendees had to present photo identification at the gate.[34] Purchases were limited to ten tickets per customer.[35]

Festival organisers encountered difficulties with the ticketing system provided by the Qjump company in 2008, as consumers were unable to purchase tickets following lengthy delays.[36] Qjump later issued an apology on the festival's Internet forum.

In July 2022, hours before performers were set to go on stage and while artists were conducting soundchecks, festival organisers controversially made the decision to cancel all performances scheduled for the first day on the main stage due to poor weather and flooding. Ticketholders took to social media angry after the festival organisers had stated that the "show will go on rain, hail or shine" earlier in the day, prior to the cancellation.[20]

Venue issues

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For a once-only trial, the organisers obtained permission to stage the 2009 Splendour in the Grass at a site in Yelgun. However, the consent provided to the organisers was the subject of a challenge by a group of residents, environmentalists and the Environmental Defenders Office of NSW, who presented their case in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales. The Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court, Justice Brian Preston, ruled that Byron Shire Council had exceeded its powers by granting the development consent where the land included parts zoned for conservation purposes. The development consent was ruled invalid, prohibiting the festival from being held at the Yelgun site.[37] As a consequence of the decision, the festival remained at the Belongil site in 2009, before returning one more time in 2012.[38]

In 2016 attendees made accusations they were forced to walk from the venue or sleep in the mud due to a lack of transport.[39]

See also

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References

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  1. 1 2 Newstead, Al (23 July 2020). "Behind The Splendour: a history of highs and lows with the festival co-founders". triple j. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  2. 1 2 Gallagher, Alex (19 July 2023). "Splendour In The Grass 2023: latest updates on the festival's line-up, tickets, sideshows and more". NME. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Burke, Kelly (27 March 2024). "Splendour in the Grass music festival cancelled for 2024 due to 'unexpected events'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  4. 1 2 "Splendour In The Grass confirms it won't return for 2025". ABC News. 23 January 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  5. ↑ Sharwood, Anthony (21 July 2017). "The Real Meaning of Splendour in the Grass Is Enough To Make Your Jaw Drop". Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  6. ↑ "An animated history of Splendour in the Grass". Red Bull. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  7. ↑ "Splendour moves back to Byron Bay". ABC News. 9 February 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "The Line Up | Splendour in the Grass 2012 | triple j". www.abc.net.au. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "Residents willing to wait and see what unfolds". ABC News. 25 July 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  10. ↑ Newstead, Al (14 March 2019). "Splendour & Falls venue secures "forever home", eyes more live music events". triple j. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  11. ↑ Newstead, Al (23 July 2020). "Behind The Splendour: a history of highs and lows with the festival co-founders". triple j. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  12. 1 2 "Splendour In The Grass drops 2023 line-up". triple j. 11 April 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  13. ↑ Newstead, Al (16 July 2019). "First Spin: Tones And I continues winning streak with 'Never Seen The Rain'". triple j. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  14. ↑ "Acts on Unearthed, we wanna add you to the Splendour in the Grass line up". triple j Unearthed. 28 May 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2026.
  15. 1 2 Cooper, Nathanael (10 June 2020). "Splendour in the Grass postponed until 2021". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  16. 1 2 Langford, Jackson (2 March 2021). "Splendour In The Grass Reschedules 2021 Dates To November". Music Feeds. Retrieved 2 March 2021.
  17. 1 2 Bracken, Claire (20 August 2021). "Splendour In The Grass reschedules again but keeping same headliners". Triple J. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  18. ↑ Brewster, Will (2 June 2021). "Splendour In The Grass announces virtual festival as uncertainty continues about event's November return". The Music Network. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  19. ↑ "SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2022". Byron Visitor Centre. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  20. 1 2 Newstead, Al (22 July 2022). "Splendour In The Grass artists and angry festivalgoers react to cancellation". ABC News. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  21. ↑ Newstead, Al (24 July 2022). "This Is It: The Strokes' headlining Splendour set was anything but sloppy". triple j. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  22. ↑ Newstead, Al (24 July 2022). "Tyler, The Creator is the perfect Splendour 2022 closer". triple j. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  23. ↑ "'It's terrifying': Music industry reacts to Splendour's shock cancellation". ABC News. 27 March 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  24. 1 2 Burke, Kelly (13 April 2024). "The Australian company behind Splendour has a rich parent – so why does it need millions in public money?". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  25. ↑ Hunt, Elle (5 December 2016). "Splendour in the Grass and Falls festival owner bought by Live Nation". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 14 August 2026.
  26. ↑ "Nominees 2016". NLMA. 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  27. ↑ "NLMA reveal 2017 Nominees". NLMA. 9 October 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  28. ↑ "Winners 2017". NLMA. December 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  29. ↑ "NLMA announce 2018 nominees and Live legend". NLMA. 2 October 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  30. ↑ "Winners of the 2018 NLMA". NLMA. December 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  31. ↑ "Splendour in the Grass". Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  32. ↑ "With a 'heavy heart': Splendour in the Grass 2024 cancelled due to 'unexpected events'". SBS News. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  33. ↑ Murray, Lisa (13 May 2005). "Music fans bombard scalpers on website". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 1 May 2009.
  34. ↑ Online, Cristen Tilley for ABC News; wires (11 May 2006). "Music industry clamps down on scalpers". ABC News. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  35. ↑ "Spendour in the Grass organisers demand photo ID from ticket buyers". ABC listen. 24 April 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2026.
  36. ↑ AAP (23 May 2008). "Fans angry over Splendour in the Grass ticket problem". news.com.au. News Limited. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  37. ↑ Land and Environment Court of New South Wales (6 May 2009). "Conservation of North Ocean Shores Inc v Byron Shire Council & Ors [2009] NSWLEC 69". Land and Environment Court of New South Wales. NSW Attorney General and Justice. Retrieved 26 August 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  38. ↑ JackT (22 April 2009). "Splendour In The Grass 2009 line-up". inthemix. inthemix. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  39. ↑ Welsh, C., Slezak, M. (23 July 2016). "Splendour in the Grass but no sign of the bus at the end of the show". The Guardian.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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