Splendour Venue Preps For Further Events

Splendour In The Grass' North Byron Parklands are gearing up for further events to be held at the site as the community warms to the idea of further festivals being held in the region.

The directors of Australia's premier camping festival had been long hoping to move the new site, which they own, but community opposition had hindered their plans. In April last year they eventually received approval for a five-year trial period, whereby the frequency and scope of events would be gradually increased.

A recent confidence poll run by Griffith University and the Northern Star indicated that the communities are beginning to understand the economic benefits of such events.

“All respondents thought the hosting of more cultural and musical events, such as the Byron Bay Bluesfest, would have a positive impact on businesses in the region,” said Professor Michael Powell. “The region is certainly building its profile as a destination for musical events and other creative pursuits and major festivals such as the Bluesfest are clearly playing significant and positive roles.”

The figures indicated that on the back of this confidence in high profile events, 53 percent of responders had confidence in the Northern Rivers economy until the end of the year while only 18 percent had a negative outlook.

North Byron Parklands' General Manager Mat Morris told theMusic.com.au, “There has always been very strong support for cultural celebrations in the Byron shire.”

The trial period allows for three events over five years and Morris confirmed, “That's what we are running with.”

But he added, “At this early stage the only event we have locked in at Parklands is Splendour in the Grass… We cannot wait to show the venue to the public.”

Elsewhere in Byron Bay, Peter Noble's Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm is looking to run more events at the Bluesfest site, including the new Boomerang Festival.