It’s not unusual to have fun at Bluesfest. Especially when it’s being headlined by the one and only, Grammy-award winning Sir Tom Jones. Jones proved once again why he is and always will be an enduring legend of the music world with his headlining performance at this years’ Byron Bay Bluesfest. Despite singing about the passage of time and coming to terms with growing old, Jones brought an infectious energy and enthusiasm to the stage that belied his age, captivating the audience from start to finish (my dancing mum included).

Just before midday on my favourite day of the year (Laneway day), I find myself in an Uber to Flemington Racecourse. It’s my first Laneway in Melbourne, though I haven’t missed the festival since 2018. Depending on who you ask, I was too early for anyone worth seeing, such as headliners Dominic Fike or Stormzy. But, as I prepared for my fifth Laneway, I knew I was in for a marathon day of the best up-and-coming local acts sharing the stage with some of the world’s finest talent. 

While I overlooked the vibes town stage with the stunning backdrop of Tassies natural beauty, I knew I was in for an adventure.  Exhausted from the 4am plane ride and the 20kg loads of camping gear on our backs, we set up camp in the 30-degree heat, filled with excitement for the day ahead. 

Groovin the Moo has always been one of my favourite festivals, I grew up going to GTM so it brings about a lot of nostalgia for me. It was the first festival I went to back in 2016, and I wore a  plethora of glitter and micro silver stars on my face paired with skinny jeans and an American Apparel crop top, very very cool…

Ability Fest was an invigoration of the senses. Not only since it’s the first festival after months in lockdown but it had presented an opportunity.