I’m wearing thongs. Big mistake. My only saving grace is that they’re brown. And old. The gates to the Coffs Harbour Showgrounds swing open at 11am, but by midday there is already a circle of sludge in front of the main stage. By dusk it has become a mud wrestling arena. Word has spread that you don’t walk within 10 metres unless you’re prepared to be dragged in and put up as the next challenger. Not that there’s a shortage of willing participants. This is an all-ages festival and the kids are well and truly getting amongst it.

Had I not stepped inside the – œbar’ (read: tent), I would have left the festival thinking it was an under-18s event. There’s a large group that don’t leave that tent all afternoon or evening, except to replenish their drink tickets or take a leak. Sad really, – œcos there’s real fun to be had at the – œTill Late Show’ main stage. Just ask Young and Restless. They know how to have fun. Especially Karina Utomo, the enigmatic little lady who fronts this frenzied Canberra outfit. Wearing a full-body, spandex suit, she rocks and thrashes and screams until she throws up. Seriously. Now doesn’t that sound like fun? Pulling out favourites like Satan and I Pointed at You and You Burst Into Flames, this riotous five-piece are noisy, fast and outta control.

Ears ringing, I traipse across the sodden field to catch the end of Dubbly’s set. They’re performing in the Enchanted Woods; the smaller, cruisy alternative to the main stage. After the intensity of Young and Restless I think the punters are keen for something a little mellow. Mixing roots, rock and reggae, Dubbly have the crowd bouncing and smiling as they radiate good vibes and chilled-out rhythms. This Sydney collective come highly recommended and they don’t disappoint. Lead singer/guitarist Nieko is clearly enjoying himself and voices his appreciation to the receptive crowd.

Dubbly is the calm before the Dead Letter Circus storm. I didn’t realise how popular the Brissy lads are. They crash onto the stage and waste no time before launching into JJJ favourite Next In Line. I’m stoked to see people yelling out lyrics when Kim Benzie thrusts the mic in their direction. The kids are transfixed on Benzie and go mental when he jumps off the stage and into the throng.

There’s barely time for the adrenaline to stop pumping before Melbourne rockers Mammal roar to life. Ezekiel Ox’s lyrics are like a big kick up the arse. He manages to work in whole swag of – œisms’ and confront them head-on, all the while challenging the audience to do the same.

Next up it’s TZU, who skillfully maintain the energy while letting the intensity of the previous set get sucked up into the steamy afternoon air. Count Bounce, Joelistics, Yerock and co. look like they’re having the time of their lives, jumping around like little kids after too many packets of sherbet. It’s so infectious and you would be hard pressed to find a toe that wasn’t tapping. They bust out newies like Computer Love and Got to Do, plus older favourites and some very impressive dance routines. These boys are what festivals are all about.

Last time I saw Blue King Brown they were a three-piece. That must have been a while ago – œcos tonight it looks like they’re setting up for a production! Three backing vocalists, an extensive percussion section, bass, drums, keys and other instruments of varying shapes and sizes are strewn around the stage. Natalie Pa’apa’a is in fine form and looking gorgeous as ever, complete with tribal face paint. As usual the music has a message and it’s cool to see wide-eyed 14 year olds lapping it up and pumping their fists in the air. The pit is a mass of pulsating bodies and flailing limbs. It’s easy to get swept up and carried along by the Afro beats and reggae grooves. I could keep dancing all night and I know I’m not the only one.

The sun is setting but the anticipation for the night’s headline acts couldn’t be any higher. As Gyroscope take to the stage and launch into Snakeskin I see people scurry from every corner of the grounds like cockroaches to a discarded pizza box. Hands down, this is the band I wanna see the most. I keep feeling involuntary yelps of excitement rise from within my belly and escape out of my mouth. They belt out Doctor Doctor and Dan leaps off the stage and into the crowd, guitar in hand, with a mad grin on his face. He then yanks the mic down and proceeds to finish the song from the pit. The kids can’t believe what just happened. Back on stage Zoran, Brad and Rob just keep upping the ante as they smash through tunes like Australia, Fast Girl and crowd-pleaser 1981. We all want more, more, more, but soon the boys are spent and need to clear the stage for Oz music staples, Grinspoon.

1995 was a long time ago in rock years, but these guys have managed to weather a few public and private storms and come out on top. I forgot just how extensive their back catalogue is and find myself singing along to song after song. The grommets in the front row are doing the same – damn, some of them weren’t even born in 1995! Grinspoon’s mass appeal is serving them well tonight. Phil Jamieson’s vocals are better than ever and he has his rock moves well and truly down pat. It’s heartening to see the Grinners doing what they do best: rocking out. A fitting end to a bangin’ little festival.