Answered by: Mark Dodds - Director/Booker
What makes your event stand out from other festivals? Fairgrounds’ line-up is world-class but the experience will make you feel right at home. More than just two stages, we have spacious grounds to dance or relax on, fresh oysters, wine by the bottle, boutique beer, a booking-only long-table restaurant, an idyllic campsite, a swimming pool and family-friendly facilities.
What’s improved for your next event? We’ve never been so proud of our international line-up, from seminal acts like Billy Bragg and The Breeders to up-and-comers like Chicago rapper Saba and LA songwriter Kevin Morby. 2018's selection of artisan food and drink will be our biggest to date, as will our acclaimed program of artist talks.
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? Bon Iver at Golden Plains 2012 was one of those sets you never wanted to end. The right artist, the right time, the right place. Things are rarely so serendipitous.
Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? I wish I’d taken the opportunity to have a drink with Father John Misty when we had him on the festival in 2015. My friends who’ve met Josh Tillman tell me he’s every bit as much fun as what you see on stage.
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How is the festival landscape changing? It feels like there are more events than ever and somehow less distinctiveness at the same time. When punters have so much choice, you need to be unique. There's only so many new acts you can book - the rest is about helping audiences experience acts in new ways.
Is there more pressure to create an “instagrammable” festival? Fairgrounds takes place on the showground of a historic country town so, fortunately, rustic charm is built right in. We don't feel pressure to create a visually dazzling experience so much as complement the enchanting character of what we've already been blessed with.
How do you go about ensuring your festival is a safe space? As well as twenty and thirty-somethings, Fairgrounds is family-friendly and welcomes a diverse range of people from babies to baby boomers. We keep it safe, relaxed and cohesive by offering a large site to an intimate audience. Whether you're picnicking or partying, there's room enough for all to enjoy.
What are your views on pill testing? Do you think it has a place at festivals? Our event is one of the safest and friendliest around, in large part due to our close collaboration with local authorities. We will always gladly use any tools at their disposal to ensure the best possible environment for punters for years to come.
