Foreshore Tips and Traps

Wed 26th Nov, 2008 in Local News

The set times for Foreshore have been released and with three stages this year, some difficult choices will have to be made. On the Lake Stage, headliners The Presets will commence at 10pm following PNAU at 8:30pm and Dukes Of Windsor at 7:10pm. Be sure to arrive by 3pm to check out big names Sasha all the way from the UK to DJ at Foreshore as part of his Australian tour and Australia’s own electronic rock act The Galvatrons. Be sure to peruse the other stages including the Lawn Stage where among others Kazu Kimura from Japan will hit the stage at 2pm. If you want to skip off a little early from PNAU to the Sun Stage you can catch some drum and bass from Skool of Thought at 9pm. If you get in early you will enjoy a variety of acts on offer from Australia and all over the world.

Foreshore may win the battle against the weather. According to the Bureau, Saturday will see early rain clearing with a minimum 13 and a maximum of 22, which may prevent another muddy and wet day for those that participated last year. It’s important to be prepared for the weather so you can still enjoy the music. As shelter might be hard to come by, especially if you want to see the bands, ensure you pack sunscreen (although apparently there is free sunscreen available), a hat, and if rain is forecast, a good raincoat. If there is heavy rain no amount of Gortex will save you. Trust me, I tried last year and I was just as pruned up as people flouncing about in shorts and thongs. I recommend you wear something that has a quick dry quality, so nothing too heavy. It’s certainly worth carrying around a plastic or waterproof bag with some warm clothes for when the rain clears.

Choosing the right footwear is difficult as heavy rain will get in to any good waterproof shoe. I would recommend sandals or canvas shoes that have a chance of drying and can be secured to your feet. Last year’s conditions saw plenty thongs separated from each other, swallowed up by mud or the mosh pit. You might think an umbrella is a good idea. Forget it. It’s likely to be confiscated at the door but if you want to try, go for it. Instead take a Gortex jacket or rain coat. In heavy rain, those plastic see through ponchos are a piece of shit but if you are vain and want to show off your latest outfit then they are perfect.

Apparently you will need some photo ID as well so bring it along with your ticket. While there are plenty of options for parking at the National Library, Questacon, Treasury building and so on, construction in the area has somewhat reduced the usual number of spots so look into alternatives. Be as green as you can and carpool, take the bus or use the good old legs if you live local. From 10 pm, buses will be running from King Edward Terrace to take you to the Foreshore after-parties so be sure to get yourself a bus ticket to take advantage.

It’s not BYO either so you have to buy your alcohol (and all related consumables) inside the venue. No weapons, audio/recording equipment or bad attitudes are allowed either. What a bunch of kill joys, but rules are rules.

Take care of each other, stay healthy and enjoy the festivities. Oh and try not to tear up the grass this time.