HANG OUT WITH JULIAN ASSANGE’S FLOATING HEAD
Returning for a repeat set of provocative digital discourse is embattled Australian WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange who will speak The Truth (and other v. important things) via live video feed from his Fortress of Solitude in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Also on board is Dan Ilic (Hungry Beast) Dominic Knight (The Chaser), journalist Andrew Crook (Crikey), writer/comedian Alice
Fraser and Network Ten boss Russel Howcroft (The Gruen Transfer) but it’s that smirking floating head – and its views on the duplicitous nature of modern media – most worthy of missing music for.
Hot tip: If the opportunity presents itself, ask him who he’d FMK out of Lady Gaga, M.I.A. and Benedict Cumberbatch.
DRINK TEA WITH THE GRATES
The in-love Brisbane duo’s Southside Tea Room operates daily from 11am-6pm at the twee epicenter of the Southern Hemisphere Splendour In The Craft Pavilion (situated near the G W Mclennan tent). As patrons of their salubrious Brisbane-based brunch spot will know, the pair serve up a nutritious/tasty/affordable selection of refreshments including tea, sandwiches, coffee, cookies and shakes. The redskin and choc chip candy shoppe cookies sound particularly enticing but it’s their silky smooth (and award winning!) 19-20-20 coffee blend you’ll be coming back for.
Hot tip: Come for the coffee, stay for a surprisingly non-creepy conversation with Patience.
SIT ON A PATCH OF GRASS AND DO NOTHING
You know the drill: get a drink, have a good time now. Welcome to paradise, paradise, paradise…
Hot tip: Just CTFO (life partner optional).
BUY SOME FASHIONS
Featured vendors of last minute on-trend fashions to make you look like an Alexa Chung entourage member this year include Sportsgirl, Dr. Martens, Ray Ban, Vans and Adidas. All can be found at SITG’s Very Small Mall emporium which brings together location appropriate “boho gypsy-chic” vibes with international high street giants like Topshop. Your first port of call if you need gumboots, eyewear or an extra layer of warmth.
Hot tip: Grab a complimentary Topshop poncho (while stocks last).
TREAT YO SELF
The luxuriant SITG Day Spa offers punters the chance to pamper themselves with festival-appropriate packages designed to treat yo hair, eyes, lips, skin and nails.
Hot tip: Be sure to book an appointment in advance. To make an appointment email dayspa@splendourinthegrass.com
EAT LIKE A KING
This year, vendors are clustered by type. You have all things Mexican at the Cantina, traditional festival fare at the Superfood Tent, market style delights at Eat Street, and Asian-style noodles and dumplings at the Hawker Markets. Also worth investigating is the first ever Truck Stop, a convoy of elite street food trucks handpicked by Raph Rashid from Beatbox Kitchen and Taco Truck.
Hot tip: Byron. Bay. Organic. Doughnuts.
CRAFTERNOON DELIGHTS
Learn how to make pom poms and shit! The inaugural Splendour In The Craft Pavilion runs daily from 11am to 6pm and features free workshops and activities including postcard making with Ben Lee, how to make brooches with Lisa Mitchell, a frock exchange, how to make DIY Empire of the Sun crowns, a guide to making tote bags, a class on mending garments and a bunch of other fun stuff!
Hot tip: There is nothing but good that can come from learning how to make postcards with Ben lee. Tell him how much you loved his performance in The Rage in Placid Lake.
WOMEN OF LETTERS
Dragging us back to the Splendour Forum is a Marieke Hardy and Michaela McGuire curated Women of Letters session featuring Tim Rogers (You Am I), Dave Graney and Clare Moore (The Moodists, Dave
Graney & The Coral Snakes), Lisa Mitchell, Heidi Lenffer (Cloud
Control) and Phoebe Baker (Alpine) discussing the songs they wish they’d written. Sure to be a hoot.
Hot tip: As Marieke warned us this year, you may want to bring a tissue box.
SETTLE AN ARGUMENT
The Tent Of Miracles returns in a more litigious form this year with performance artist curator Andy Forbes presiding over a satirical court of law.
Hot tip: Force your mates to stand trial for their repugnant history of “dog acts”.
MEET A HUMAN BEING
Who knows? They might be a reptilian conversation black hole. They might be weird. They might be the love of your life. Festivals are awash with single service friends, chance encounters and serendipitous collisions and that’s kind of what makes them so special. Be open to that. You never know where it could take you.
