I’m still on a high from last night, dancing around to ‘Secret’ in my kitchen on this glorious Sunday morning, wishing I had long, pink mermaid hair and that my house was completely luminescent. What a time the Secret PRC Tour was!

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. 

Last Saturday night, the heavens scheduled a quick reprieve from pouring down on Melbourne and I found myself hungry, heartbroken and with $38 to my name, watching the Slingers perform at the Brunswick Ball Room. With each soaring guitar slide and lyric delivered with utmost gusto, I gently swayed and locked arms with my pal, feeling a small part of my soul heal again.