Playground Weekender line-up!

Thu 13th Nov, 2008 in Local News

Playground Weekender tickets are available from 5pm right here on FL.

Returning for its third year in 2009, the fabulous Playground Weekender is the festival-of-choice for those in the know. Set in the luxurious surrounds of Del Rio Riverside Resort on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, the three-day fiesta is a world all of its own. The 2008 event claimed the crown for – œBest Crowd/Atmosphere’ in the inaugural punter-voted Festival Awards – ironclad proof of its unique charms.

Anticipation has been steadily mounting for next year’s line-up, with FasterLouder’s exclusive scoop last month that The Streets will be making the Playground pilgrimage. So without further ado, here’s the cast of characters set to make 2009 the biggest year yet…

After nine years of waiting, the indomitable Primal Scream will return to Australia to headline the Weekender. Earning their legend status with 1991 album Screamadelica, the British rave-rockers have continued to build a formidable repertoire, culminating in this year’s Beautiful Future. A balmy summer night, stars overhead, Primal Scream on the mainstage…’epic’ would be the word.

In August, California’s Cold War Kids left Splendour In The Grass thoroughly wowed, and they’ll be back to do it again at Playground. The band has just delivered an assured second album, Loyalty To Loyalty, and their live shows are served with a good slug of soul. At the opposite end of the musical spectrum, hyperactive Toronto duo Crystal Castles will be bringing their messed-up electro and pop hooks to Del Rio. With frontlady Alice Glass topping NME’s - œ2008 Cool List’ for her off-kilter stage antics, this will be quite a performance.

The goodness doesn’t stop there, though. Very much a part of the Australian festival furniture, Whomadewho are heading back to Playground after a standout set in 2007. The invite has also been extended to New Zealand collective Salmonella Dub, Melbourne’s Blue King Brown (filled out to an 11-piece band for the festival), Grafton Primary, Paper Scissors, Pomomofo, TZU and D.I.G (Directions in Groove). Then there are more DJs than you can point a needle at – among them Norman Jay, Ewan Pearson, Ashley Beedle and Tom Middleton.

If you want an idea of what to expect for Playground Weekender in 2009, look no further than this year’s amazing photo gallery. In addition to all the musical splendour, Del Rio Resort boasts a 9-hole golf course for camping, swimming pool, beer garden, cinema and other creature comforts. You won’t want to go home.

Playground Weekender first line-up:

Primal Scream
The Streets
Cold War Kids
Crystal Castles
Blue King Brown
Salmonella Dub
Soul II Soul Sound System
Grafton Primary
Nic Fanciulli
Ashley Beedle
Norman Jay
Whomadewho
TZU
D.I.G (Directions in Groove)
Ewan Pearson
Todd Terje
Tom Middleton
Jimpster
Paper Scissors
Mark De Clive-Lowe
Pomomofo
Wow
Russ Dewbury

Playground Weekender
Del Rio Riverside Resort, Wiseman’s Ferry
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 9 February

Check out the PHOTOS and REVIEW from 2008.