Blues Fest 2015, Byron Bay Australia

This post comes from our Australia contributor, Bianca Boulden!

Blues fest, unlike any other Australian festival, is nestled 11 kilometers just outside of Byron Bay-shire, this is one festival not to miss. It’s a blend of young and old, hippies and rockers. And with over 50 market stalls and 40 food stalls, it’s heaven on earth for anyone just wanting to hang, eat the yummy festival food and listen to some rad tunes… Life doesn’t get any better. As it fell on the long holiday weekend the festival goers were all in fine spirits, kids on school holidays and everyone anticipating a fun-filled few days. Can you believe that it takes 1054 workers and 500 volunteers that work more than 12,500 hours to pull this thing off? Crazy right?! And we couldn’t thank them enough for making this incredible experience a reality.

I still remember the first concert I ever went too, I was 10 years old and I went with my mum. Growing up, my mother would take me to all-ages gigs and to big-name concerts, such as Michael Jackson, INXS and Dire Straits, so I understand that rush you get when you’re situated stage-right, fifth row back, with the bass running down your spine. There’s nothing like it.

This year, seeing as though the two bands that I was dying to see — Lenny Kravitz and the Black Keys — pulled out, I decided to head around the festival to see what else I could find, what people I could meet, and what food I could taste. And these were my adventures….

First you have to start the day off right by browsing through the vintage stores. It’s a must-do for all vintage lovers like myself. You never know what you can find. I met a 50 year old man that scored himself the best ring master circus jacket I have ever seen, he said it was going straight to his dress-up box! Then I headed on over to the girls at Henna Herma to get all festive. I don’t know about you but henna just puts a big smile on my face. Henna is like the grown-up version of having your face painted with butterflies and rainbows.

Next it’s time to eat your way through the food stalls (Oh and they are good). What more could you want than corn on the cob, tacos and, to finish it off, some yummy organic donuts?

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I had my friend Jenna Agius by my side, a full tummy, and got to see two of my favorite bands, Jurassic 5 and Sticky Fingers. All in all great day and night. If you aren’t looking for a head-banging crazy festival and want something a little more chilled-out, please try Blues Fest next year. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.