Splendour in the Grass to be held at Woodford in 2010
November 25, 2009
Splendour in the Grass will temporarily relocate to Woodford in Queensland for its 10th anniversary event in 2010, but organisers say that Byron Shire is the festival’s ‘permanent home’.
Splendour in the Grass has been working toward establishing a permanent sustainable event venue to stage the festival. The chosen 660 acre North Byron Parklands site at Yelgun in the Byron Shire is undergoing the comprehensive approval process with the NSW Department of Planning for a permanent cultural event venue and will not be ready for next year’s event.
In the meantime and as they approach the 10th anniversary of Splendour In The Grass, organisers today announced the festival will temporarily relocate to Woodford in Queensland, home of the Woodford Folk Festival.
“Woodford Folk Festival and their beautiful site Woodfordia have been a great source of inspiration to us and we feel honoured to borrow their home,” said Jessica Ducrou, organiser of Splendour in the Grass.
“Securing the venue has meant we have been able to confirm dates and we are happy to announce that Splendour’s tenth anniversary event will run over three days, from Friday July 30 to Sunday August 1 2010.”
Mayor Allan Sutherland of Moreton Bay Regional Council said: “We have worked hard to attract this signature celebration of music and culture to Woodford, an area that already has the runs well and truly on the board when it comes to hosting quality music festivals.
“Moreton Bay Regional Council’s prompt endorsement of the event – and eagerness to work with event organisers, the venue owner and the State Government – highlights its desire to create a region that values economic development, lifestyle and unforgettable experiences.
“Splendour will be a splendid addition to Moreton Bay region’s many attractions.”
Ms Ducrou said: “We have a great opportunity to grow our event and give people better access to the festival but at the same time keep Splendour In The Grass a unique and personal experience.
“Given the size of the venue we will be able to accommodate almost all festival patrons in camping grounds on-site, giving more people the full festival experience.
“The purpose-built venue also means that we can incorporate a broader range of arts and cultural experiences, which we have been wanting to do for many years.”
Bill Hauritz, Director of Woodford Folk Festival, said: “Having one of Australia’s premier contemporary music events at Woodfordia will be a privilege.
“Splendour is one of the best managed events I have observed, they are responsible, caring and disciplined organisers.
“We can expect the best. We are grateful to the Queensland Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council for their enthusiasm and support, which has enabled Woodfordia to host Splendour in the Grass in 2010.”
Ms Ducrou said: “We will continue to work through the approval process for our permanent home in the Byron Shire.”
Further Festival information will be available in March 2010.
Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced the move as a major music coup for Queensland.
The move from Byron Bay to Woodford, north of Brisbane, for next year’s festival is expected to pump millions of dollars into the local economy as it attracts around 30,000 visitors to the region.
“This is great news for Queensland music lovers and locals who will reap the benefits of such a big event,” Ms Bligh said today.
“This is a huge coup for Queensland. It’s a winning combination of festival atmosphere and some of the best music talent around.
“And I can think of no better place than the beautiful surrounds of Woodford, where we have the hugely successful Woodford Folk Festival every year.”
It is estimated that over three days Splendour in the Grass could generate at least $13 million in economic benefits to the local region.
Festival organisers initially approached the organisers of Woodford Folk Festival about the prospect of using the site. After negotiations between State Government, the Moreton Bay Regional Council and event organisers, a two-year contract for the Woodford site was secured.
Ms Bligh thanked the Moreton Bay Regional Council and Mayor Allan Sutherland for helping to secure the event for Queensland.
“Their prompt endorsement of the event – and eagerness to work with event organisers, the venue owner and the State Government – shows they know the importance of generating opportunities to support the local economy and the great way of life for those who live there,” Ms Bligh said.
PICTURE: The Woodford site – home for Splendour in the Grass in 2010.
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Sadly this is a great loss to the Byron community. Rather than trying to scare away local events the community should be embracing them and encouraging more of them.