Festival Guide 2019: Loch Hart Music Festival

Answered by: Jayden Bath, Festival Director

What makes your event stand out from other festivals? Our inaugural festival was a hit because those who attended made it a hit. Loch Hart started from hosting huge house parties, and that's the vibe of the festival – everyone is a mate. Plus, being on the Great Ocean Road with an amphitheatre overlooking the ocean is pretty unique.

What’s improved for your next event? The huge addition this year is a comedy hour! We are focusing on expanding the festival while keeping an intimate vibe. We are excited to add to the festival site this year with some new infrastructure, amping up production and lights, and we may have some four-legged friends visiting Sunday.

How is the festival landscape changing? We're still new to the scene, but it's evident there is a rise in the number of boutique music festivals, such as ours! Festivals are no longer about the one ‘must-see’ artist at a mega-festival with 20,000 others. They’ve grown to be an all-immersive weekend away with your mates.

What do you think will be some of your guaranteed highlights from your upcoming festival? Alpine! Hooley dooley, what a band! The bill this year is truly so exciting with Didirri, Alice Ivy, Genesis Owusu, Moaning Lisa – it’s way bigger than we anticipated. Our comedy hour, morning yoga, food vendors and local craft beers. Watching the sunset over the ocean is always epic.

What’s the best way for up-and-coming artists to see their name on your bill? We are always on the lookout for artists we think will suit the bill. We take pride in booking amazing live performers, regardless of stats or the number of plays an artist has. Playing shows and getting your name out there is vital.

How do you go about ensuring your festival is a safe space? We have an amazing relationship with our security, medical and fire teams who are embedded into the festival. They go beyond just doing their roles at the festival – they are friendly and they love being there. Ensuring our staff are approachable is essential to [creating] a safe space.

Do you think governments have a place in regulating festivals as has happened in NSW recently? Events need regulation, and the safety of attendees is paramount. However, the NSW Government have gone beyond regulation by implementing draconian laws, essentially quashing the artist, and the creative role festivals play in our society. We are extremely thankful to have an excellent relationship with our local council and police.