Berry Gets its Own Festival
- Written by Matt Fraser
JOURNEY SOUTH FOR A CARNIVAL OF MUSIC AND DISCOVERY AT FAIRGROUNDS THIS DECEMBER
Berry Gets its Own Festival – Line Up Announced
The picturesque township of Berry, NSW is set to come alive with a diverse mix of local and international artists, when the country’s newest festival, Fairgrounds, hits the South Coast on Saturday 5 December, 2015.
Fairgrounds will be an adventure for the senses. Artisan food, an array of boutique beverages, markets, movies and music all converge in a melting pot of awe-inspiring activities – in one of Australia’s most breathtaking regions.
The Festival’s line-up strides the worlds of folk, indie rock, soul and everything in between. Pray at the altar of LA-based crooner Father John Misty as he brings his confessional lyricism to the stage, proving why he’s hailed as one of today’s best songwriters.
Brooklyn electronic duo RATATAT will bring their acclaimed live show to Berry, combining bedrock beats and primordial riffs to create an audio and visual feast of sonic exploration and production prowess.
Dream pop veterans Mercury Rev will be celebrating their twenty sixth anniversary with favourites from their classic catalogue and brand new songs.
Informed by the folk-rock of ages past, singer songwriter Jessica Pratt’s heartfelt guitar melodies and warm, soulful voice will captivate with her absorbing, melancholy-tinged songs, while San Francisco indie funk outfit Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s intoxicating cloud of psych-soul ballads will envelope their fans.
Representing Sydney on the bill is internationally acclaimed garage pop outfit, Royal Headache. Expect an adrenaline shot of melodic energy and heart-on-sleeve romanticism from these rockers. From the Northern Territory comes the intoxicating rock ‘n’ gospel dancehall blues of C.W. Stoneking, whose electric lilt and drawl is set to mesmerise.
And that’s just the beginning; more acts are set to be announced.
THE LINE-UP (SO FAR) IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:
C.W. Stoneking
Father John Misty
Jessica Pratt
Mercury Rev
RATATAT
Royal Headache
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Music is the beating heart of the festival and for many will be the reason to come to Fairgrounds, but it won’t be the only reason to love it.
A gastronomical paradise awaits at the Festival, with wines and local delicacies sourced from neighbouring estates. Adding to the fun of the day, the festival site will be dotted with field games and a kids’ area, creating a wonderland of activities for all.
Make a weekend of new tastes and discoveries and enjoy the activities that frame the festival. In the evening on Friday, 4 December, Fairgrounds’ Cinema Under the Stars, presented by Madman Entertainment is screening films. On Sunday 6 December, lose yourself among the beloved Berry Markets, which offers a whole range of local produce and collectables.
Curated by leading touring company, Handsome Tours, the organisers hope to fuel the imaginations of all ages in a laid-back atmosphere, where earthy regional flavours, old-fashioned hospitality and the pleasures of the South Coast region make it a unique event that won’t feel or taste like any other.
Fairgrounds will bring a weekend of music and discovery close to home – just two hours’ drive or a leisurely coastal train ride from Sydney.
Tailor a weekend unique to you in the scenic South Coast region. Escape to a quaint cottage in the Kangaroo Valley or relax in an ocean-side apartment in Gerringong, Kiama or Gerroa – either way, it’s a short drive from all the action. For attendees who don’t want to miss a beat, Fairgrounds also offers on-site camping.
Early bird “Fairgrounds Founder” tickets are $110 and go on sale on Thursday 20 August at www.moshtix.com.au. Kids under 12 enter the festival for free.
What: Fairgrounds Festival
When: Saturday 5th December
Where: Berry, NSW
Tickets: On sale 8am on Thursday 20 August at fairgrounds.com.au and moshtix.com.au