Splendour in the Grass 2022: Backlash over last-minute rule change

Less than a fortnight before Splendour in the Grass finally returns to Byron Bay, a last-minute rule change has caused backlash among many ticketholders.

One of Australia’s most prominent festivals, Splendour in the Grass, has sparked outrage among young ticketholders after a last-minute change to its rules.

Any under-18s attending the three-day Byron Bay event later this month will now have to be accompanied by an adult, thanks to a change in its liquor licensing laws.

Previously, the rule had only applied to those under 16 years of age.

Ticketholders received an email via Moshtix late last week, and the festival’s official Twitter account posted a statement on Monday, explaining that it was “not Splendour’s decision” and that organisers were “very unhappy” about the situation.

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Festival goers at Splendour in 2019 – the last time the event went ahead. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“These new rules have been imposed on us by NSW Police. We were only informed of this late Thursday and we are very unhappy about these major changes being forced on the festival at such a late stage,” the message read.

“We understand the major impact it will have on many of our patrons. We also don’t want you to walk away with a fine.

“So we want you all to be aware that Police will be present at the event, roaming throughout the crowd checking that underage minors are with a responsible adult.”

Important announcement regarding under 18's at Splendour. pic.twitter.com/g8EzlY50yR

— SplendourintheGrass (@SITG) July 11, 2022

The abrupt rule change for the festival – which is being held across the 22-24 July – has caused massive backlash among ticketholders.

Wow, NSW police just 100% screwed over Splendour in the Grass for under 18’s.
Can see many having to dump their ticket onto resale at the last minute.

— Shane Stapleton (@shaneanza) July 11, 2022

This is awful. Starts in 2 weeks? How the hell is anyone going to be able to comply? They sure hate festivals #Festivalhaters

— Julianne Clarke (@Julesclarkey066) July 11, 2022

Imagine being a local kid just wanting to see their favourite bands just up the road. What the hell, NSW police?

— ainsindahouse (@ainsindahouse) July 11, 2022

This sounds like a significant change in the ticket conditions that would we worthy of a refund for younger ticket holders

— Michael Coates (@MG_Coates) July 11, 2022

NSW living up to its motto: The Police State

— Con! (@c0n_AU) July 11, 2022

That is rough.

— Half Wit (@1HalfWit) July 11, 2022

Considering what these kids have been through with covid, floods and limited employment opportunities this feels way off base.

— TheRealOuttastace (@OuttaStace) July 11, 2022

The disappointing news comes as Splendour in the Grass finally returns after several postponements and cancellations.

Gorillaz, The Strokes and Tyler, the Creator were all previously announced to headline last year’s cancelled event and are still on-board for the 2022 edition.

Liam Gallagher (pictured here at Meredith music festival) will perform at this year’s Splendour. Picture: Steve Benn

They’ll be joined at Byron Bay Parklands by Kacey Musgraves, Liam Gallagher, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Dillon Francis, Ruel, Glass Animals and Tim Minchin (here’s the full line-up).

The beloved music festival, held on the land of the Arakwal Bundjalung People and the wider Bundjalung Nation, hasn’t gone ahead since 2019 – before the pandemic.

The 2020 festival was initially postponed until October that year, before being cancelled altogether. The 2021 festival, initially set to take place last July before being rescheduled to November, was also cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak in NSW.

Originally published as Splendour in the Grass 2022: Backlash over last-minute rule change