Playground Weekender Festival
The Playground Weekender Festival began in 2007 at Wiseman's Ferry, on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. This unique Australian music festival has emerged as an eclectic mix of sounds featuring a diverse mix of international and local artists, coupled with a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Spread over 3 days, the Playground Weekender includes many different stages of music, an outdoor cinema, cabaret acts, a cocktail bar, a healing area, yoga and international food and market stalls. Receiving favourable reviews in music press in its first year, the Playground Weekender has expanded to include an even bigger lineup in its sophomore year.
History
Located on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Wiseman's ferry, only an hour and a half drive from Sydney, the Playground Weekender is situated next to a river in the bush surrounding greater Sydney, with inventive re-imaginings of a remote rural space. With a crowd capacity of only 10,000 the Playground Weekender Festival is "everything a festival should be" .
The artist lineup is focused mainly on indie rock, but has also included Dub, Electro-house and many other genres, appealing to a wider audience. Many Australian bands are given the opportunity to play alongside international artists which have included:
- Mr Scruff
- Fat Freddys Drop
- !!!
- The Dears
- Who Made Who
- Bugz in the Attic
- Elbow
Australian bands which have played at the Playground Weekender include:
- The Presets
- Lost Valentinos
- The Avalanches (DJ set)
- Mercy Arms
- Bridezilla
- The Holidays
2008 Lineup
The 2008 Playground Weekender Festival lineup includes international and Australian acts:
- Ian Brown
- Maximo Park
- Ben Lee
- Josh Pyke
- Crazy Penis
- The Wombats
- Dappled Cities Fly
- Bluejuice
- The Holidays