Answered by: Greg Matthew - Festival Event & Marketing Manager
What makes your event stand out from other festivals? We’ve created some huge hype on a local/Hunter region level and it’s the first time a line-up of this calibre has come to Newcastle. We’re going for that relaxed day out with plenty of space and bars while saluting the rock'n'roll scene.
What’s improved for your next event? We have a team that has produced countless festivals, although this is the first Scene & Heard so I am sure we will pick up a few things that can create a better experience for our punters.
Favourite festival ‘Do you remember when…’ moment? 2018 - we’re loving the direction it is headed in already! Being our first year, it’s always great to get the first event off the blocks to kick start these memories.
Which artist – living or dead – would you like to have backstage drinks with? Dan Johns, to convince him to play at next year's festival.
How is the festival landscape changing? It’s always changing and there are always new events around the country fitting into the calendar, to put a line-up together, get out early and be on sale seems to be getting harder every year. But being local and independently owned we have a great connection with our locals.
Is there more pressure to create an “Instagrammable” festival? We haven’t really thought about that, but our demographic of punters probably don’t have the Instagram drive like the younger festival-goers. I feel they will be taking photos for the moments, not the likes.
How do you go about ensuring your festival is a safe space? There are countless strategies implemented to ensure everyone is safe and welcome. Our crowd care, health and safety management systems are our priority and the evolvement of these measures will always be consistently reviewed. We have employed an extended team alongside external partners who will have a strong presence.
What are your views on pill testing? Do you think it has a place at festivals? Saving and protecting any life should come first, we work closely with the local police in our area on how we can reduce drug-related incidents. We will support anything that saves lives.
