When Off the Grid took place back in late-December in the ACCA forecourt in Melbourne’s Southbank, there was a feeling of ripe anticipation in the air. Was it because Christmas was just around the corner? Or because it was the first really, properly hot day of the year? Or was it simply because Off the Grid, as Australia’s first completely solar powered music and arts festival, creates a certain atmosphere—one of excitement and gratification and wonder, at the idea that not all luxuries have to be at the expense of something or someone?
Advertisement
Who knows… it was probably all of that combined. Speaking to Off the Grid first-timers—of which I was one—there were a few little false starts in the morning as they wrapped their heads around where to throw chewing gum (in the designated chewing gum bins) and whether cigarette butts could go in with the recycling (they couldn’t, there were designated bins for those, too). But as the day went on, this stuff became second nature. As did building one’s own chair with five separate pieces of cardboard—which gave you a sort of “I have made fire!” Castaway-type of self-satisfaction.Kicking off the day with engrossing conversations with Paul Gorrie and Natalie Isaacs, the audience were invited to hear industry figureheads talk about sustainable living, before being invited to shuffle their feet in the sand to the sounds of J’Nett. From there the crowds arrived and the good times really kicked off. Albrecht La-Brooy and Miss Goldie really pushed the kids onto the dancefloor, while free and abundant sunscreen made the rounds. The Senengambian Jazz Band soundtracked the arrivals of the final festival-goers , and No Zu soundtracked the sunset. Though some of us were worried that the sun might set and put the whole festival to bed, it turned out the organisers had thought of that.Check out our photos from the day below.
Slow roasting meat on solar dishes
Some of the solar panels powering the festival
DIY chairs
Making the most of the rays
Despite being solar-powered, the festival continued after sunset
ONE EMAIL. ONE STORY. EVERY WEEK. SIGN UP FOR THE VICE NEWSLETTER.
By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content.
