:: Splendour In The Grass 2009

By: Carmine Pascuzzi

Now in its ninth year, SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS returns on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 at Byron Bay’s Belongil Fields to present its much anticipated annual mid-winter music celebration. With offerings from around the globe, the 2009 line-up packs a punch with a flock of Splendour first timers, festival favourites and exclusive one-off performances to boot. But first, to the all-important ticketing information.

The line-up already announced is:
BLOC PARTY (their only Australian show)
THE FLAMING LIPS
JANE’S ADDICTION
MGMT (also in their only Australian show)
HILLTOP HOODS
GRINSPOON
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
THE SPECIALS
SARAH BLASkO
AUGIE MARCH
JOSH PYKE
FRIENDLY FIRES
LITTLE BIRDY
BIRDS OF TOKYO
THE GUTTER TWINS
MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA
YUKSEK
BOB EVANS
WHITE LIES
KRAM
YVES KLEIN BLUE
DECODER RING
LOST VALENTINOS
LEADER CHEETAH
JACK LADDER
THE MIDDLE EAST
POLAROID FAME
and GLASS TOWERS

For all event info and updates please check here

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**Update as at June 20, 2009**

The final line-up has been announced as follows:

BLOC PARTY (IN THEIR ONLY AUSTRALIAN SHOW)
THE FLAMING LIPS
JANE’S ADDICTION
MGMT (ALSO IN THEIR ONLY AUSTRALIAN SHOW)
HILLTOP HOODS
GRINSPOON
MIDNIGHT JUGGERNAUTS
THE SPECIALS
SARAH BLASKO
AUGIE MARCH
JOSH PYKE
FRIENDLY FIRES
LITTLE BIRDY
BIRDS OF TOKYO
THE GUTTER TWINS
MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA
YUKSEK
BOB EVANS
WHITE LIES
KRAM
YVES KLEIN BLUE
DECODER RING
LOST VALENTINOS
LEADER CHEETAH
JACK LADDER
THE MIDDLE EAST
POLAROID FAME
AND GLASS TOWERS

Newly added
HAPPY MONDAYS (IN THEIR ONLY AUSTRALIAN SHOW)
DOVES
ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI
YOU AM I
THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
DOWNSYDE & DRAPHT
KISSCHASY
LITTLE RED
BLUEJUICE
CHILDREN COLLIDE
MIAMI HORROR LIVE
ART VS. SCIENCE
PAUL DEMPSEY
DAPPLED CITIES
DANANANANAYKROYD
HOLLY THROSBY
BRIDEZILLA
AND DEYA DOVA

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009
Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26
Belongil Fields, Byron Bay

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IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

With the 2009 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS festival just over one week away, organisers of the sold out event would like to provide ticket-holders with some vital event and general safety information.

As has been widely publicised, tickets to this year's festival have completely SOLD OUT. This means there will not be event or camping tickets available for sale at the gate any time over the weekend. So to avoid disappointment, we ask that only valid ticket holders make their way to Belongil Fields, Byron Bay. And with our personalised ticketing system we also wish to remind patrons that photographic ID that corresponds with the name printed on each individual's ticket must be presented at the gates for entry.

SPLENDOUR organisers continue to work closely with the authorities and would like to advise ticket holders that once again drug detection dogs will be present around the Byron area and at Splendour in the Grass across the weekend. Police random breath testing units will also be active on local roads.

There will be an increased security and police presence for the 2009 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS event and anyone caught trying to fence jump or attempting to enter the venue unlawfully WILL be turned over to the authorities. Fence jumping is trespassing and Splendour has a zero tolerance policy towards anyone trying to enter the festival this way. Those caught will be immediately removed from the site and will be prosecuted. They will also be hit with a minimum penalty of $350.

To assist with patron safety, the festival organisers have again engaged professional first aid services as well as a couple of chillout tents and the Doof Mamas. In addition, a breathalyser service will again be on site to allow drivers who are unsure if they are over the limit to get an indication of their blood alcohol content.

As always there will be special shuttle bus services operating to and from the Transit Centre in town and the event. Anyone intending to travel from town to SPLENDOUR by shuttle bus will need to show their event ticket or wristband before boarding the service. The town shuttle will cost $3 per person per trip. Patrons are requested to use the shuttle bus service, as it is the safest and fastest way to travel to and from the event and town. The shuttles will operate on Friday from 10.00am to 1.00am, Saturday from 8.00am to 2.00am and Sunday from 8.00am to 11.30pm.

Those intending to park in the Melaleuca Drive day carpark next door to Belongil Fields will also be checked for event tickets before they can park their vehicle. Parking costs $10 per vehicle per day with proceeds after costs going to Byron Bay High School and St Finbarrs Primary School. The carpark is open on Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00am and Sunday from 9.00am to 12.30am. Patrons should note that the carpark, like the campground, is a no alcohol area.

Do not park in the nearby Sunrise residential area or the industrial estate. There will be Special Event Parking Restrictions in place in Sunrise and Byron Shire Council Rangers will be on duty throughout the weekend. Fines for illegal parking are $197.

Likewise, rangers will be on the lookout for illegal camping or people sleeping in cars. Fines range from $110 per person or $220 per person if on Crown land.

SPLENDOUR organisers also ask that anyone attending the festival, whether a visitor or local resident, observe the following:

Be considerate of the local community and environment.
Use your accommodation as a place to rest up - do your partying at the festival.
When walking in residential areas, please keep the noise down.
Do not litter - use trash cans or carry it on you until you find a bin.
There are no “open air toilets” in Byron Bay or at Splendour. Get it? While there are plenty of portaloos at the festival, there are very few public toilets around town. Please plan ahead so you don't get caught out.
For more detailed information on event do's and don'ts and local transport info please go to the official website