Answered by: Glenn Wright - Director
What makes your event stand out from other festivals? It's the funny little boutique music festival that happens each year in the Byron Shire, where music takes over the small quirky town of Mullumbimby. What makes it special is that there are no tents, no Portaloos, not much security and absolutely no trouble. It's all about music.
What’s improved for your next event? The best thing about Mullum Music Festival is that it doesn't grow more than the town itself. This year there are some new venues but it's sustainable growth and comfortable. The most exciting aspect of the festival is always the artist line-up and the fun venues that are updated yearly.
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? There was a funny scene a few years back when the venue operators forgot about the Piano Bar and it kept running into the wee hours, a very special little party that was never planned.
Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Bombino is performing at Mullum this year and I think to have a beer and chat would be amazing. Described by the New York Times as "the world music artist of our times" I think there is no greater honour.
How is the festival landscape changing? I think there is currently room to move and all good events are doing ok. It's important to have your point of difference.
Is there more pressure to create an “Instagrammable” festival? It's Mullumbimby, we are kind of in a time warp and so I'm personally only just getting used to a fax.
How do you go about ensuring your festival is a safe space? By booking diversity and with an emphasis on equality. Really, your crowd is just a reflection of the line-up you booked. I try and book an interesting line-up and that works for us. We have never had any anti-social behaviour. Music lovers are good people.
What are your views on pill testing? Do you think it has a place at festivals? Well, it's Mullumbimby, but pill tests would be fine and in general any test would be ok. We have a lovely crowd.
