Byron Bay Mayor Simon Richardson has today confirmed that the Falls Festival, which presently takes place in Victoria's Lorne and Tasmania's Marion Bay, is to have a third date as it moves up the coast to Byron Bay this year.
The festival will be taking place at the North Byron Parklands, which will be christened by next weekend's Splendour In The Grass festival, from Tuesday 31 December.
Triple J have reported that Mayor Simon Richardson thinks the festival could actually prove to stem troublesome behaviour over the New Year's period – which Byron is no stranger to – much like the affect it has had on Lorne.
“Lorne used to go gangbusters with violence and by bringing this festival which again was a very chilled festival and laid back and giving people something to do. It's transformed Lorne,” he said.
"So for Byron I think not only is it giving a great opportunity for residents of the area to see some great music but importantly it allows us to manage New Year's Eve so we don't have a repeat of what happened last year."
Falls founder Simon Daly made a statement about the move this afternoon.
"We're really excited to be heading North and expanding this year, the Byron Bay location couldn't be better suited to everything that has always encompassed Falls in Lorne and Marion Bay," he said. "Coastal and charming natural settings; a destination for our patrons to travel for."
The Falls dates will be as follows:
Lorne: Saturday 28 December - Wednesday 1 January (18+)
Marion Bay: Sunday 29 December - Wednesday 1 January (all ages)
Byron Bay: Tuesday 31 December - Friday 3 January (18+)
