Dune Rats, Tash Sultana Lead Vanfest’s Epic First Artist Announcement

You only have to look at the transformation of Central West event Vanfest over the past three years to know it’s on a trajectory to not only claim the title of the country’s best regional event but also establish itself as a frontrunner on the summer festival calendar.

After a relatively intimate inaugural run at their pub three years ago, father and son duo Matt and Grant Clifton have today unveiled their biggest line-up to date, welcoming Dune Rats, Tash Sultana, Amy Shark and more to the regional NSW boutique event.

“I really want to be one of those festivals that puts a platform there for Aussie talent and up-and-coming artists,” Matt told The Music.

The two-day Forbes-based camping festival will return from 1 – 2 December, with the below line-up in tow:

Ali Barter, Amy Shark, Carmada, Cosmo’s Midnight, Dean Lewis, Dune Rats, Manalion, MUTO, PLGRMS, San Cisco, Thundamentals, Wilsonn, Tash Sultana

“The artists are phenomenal – my two favourites are Ali Barter and PLGRMS,” Matt said.

While they’ve dropped an epic artist announcement, he says the music is only one element of the experience.

“What we’re trying to build is not necessarily around the line-up … we really focus a lot of time and energy on the actual event experience; what’s going on when they’re out there.

“There are different activations, different installations, beach bars – we dumped 150 tonne of sand in there to recreate Bondi Beach last year. We’re working with our sponsors and really creating a memorable experience.”

Going from strength to strength each year, Vanfest quickly established that there was a strong demand for live music and other events in regional Australia.

“I grew up in the country and never had the opportunity to see these artists; I never had to income to support travel to the city.

“There are so many people in the Central West – yes we’re much further spread, but we’re still some of the fastest growing areas per capita Australia.”

The 2017 event will also include market stalls, pop-up beach bars, interactive activations, carnival rides, ‘sitten cool’ Jacuzzi’s by the stage and more.

Pre-sale tickets are available next Tuesday, 25 July, from 9am via the Vanfest website, which is where you can find more info on the event.