Splendour in the Grass 2022: recap of what went wrong at the festival

A number of things went wrong at Splendour in the Grass after its three year absence. Here’s how it all went down and the revellers reacted.

The muddy trenches at this year‘s Splendour in the Grass gave city revellers a brief glimpse of what life was like for many in the Northern Rivers this year.

The never-ending traffic queues on Thursday evening kicked off what would be a chaotic, depressing and at times dangerous festival as rain pummelled cars headed to Byron Bay.

Exhausted punters, forced to sleep in their cars, finally arrived at this much anticipated festival comeback only to be left in a confused muddy mess before finally being told to go home.

See our massive picture gallery: Splendour in the Grass 2022

Friday’s cancellation was ultimately expected given the conditions. However the organisers, who were aware of the weather forecast, waited until the final hour to pull the plug.

Splendour in the Grass attendees waded through thick mud. Picture: Tessa Flemming

Electrical equipment was deemed unsafe due to the weather, with artists unable to get their equipment in working order.

For some attendees it was their first time hitting the festival circuit and after forking out hundreds of dollars they were turned around with no indication of whether a refund would be applied.

Neve Wallington, a student in Byron Bay was gifted a Friday ticket for her birthday and was left disheartened after waiting in the rain and mud only to be told many of the major acts might not be appearing.

“We decided to leave given all the major acts wouldn’t be there,” she said.

Neve Wallington and her friends waited hours in a queue with a Friday pass just to be told they would go home empty. Picture: Matt Gazy

By the time people had returned to their cars at the North Byron Parklands, cold, wet and hungry they found their vehicles completely submerged in water.

Many bogged cars needed towing and NRMA Roadside Assistance specifically told people they were unable to provide support until Monday morning.

Security guards came to the aid of the Byron Shire News team, but others were stranded all night for some it was their second night sleeping in their cars.

To top it off, Byron Shire Council, who noted the “professional” nature of the festival issued parking fines of $280 to those who parked on the roads leading into the festival.

For people who managed to escape the grounds, some acts like YUNGBLUD played at local venues, which were packed with ticket holders desperate for live music.

Many were at this point furious with one woman Charlotte Gane saying she was too “traumatised” to go back after Friday.

Lines of queues at Splendour in the Grass as people became agitated and desperate. Picture: supplied

“After waiting in a bus line with a migraine for four hours and getting home at 6.30am I’m done,” she said.

Friday was the worst it got for most, as clear skies opened on Saturday morning allowing for the day to go ahead.

But the rain had left the entire showground in a state of sludgy mud, up to 30cm deep in most parts. People slipped and broke bones, sprained limbs in an attempt to make the most of what has swiftly become a strange dystopia. Reports of injuries circulated from hospitals, with dislocated knees being the most common ailment.

Then there were the endless queues. Many waited several hours – while cold, starving and without water or toilets.

Splendour’s response was that “some of the buses we ordered didn’t show up and that had a significant impact”. A comfort to none.

Some dubbed it the new “fyre fest”.

Some decided to leave while they could. Picture: Matt Gazy

Gabby King said she still can’t comprehend her experience.

“The psychological impact is palpable, I still can’t believe this was possible,” Ms King said.

“We felt extremely stressed, agitated, and claustrophobic waiting in line, feeling exhausted after being on feet all night, and feeling hungry, cold, thirsty,” she said.

Patrons were texted by Splendour stating they would “not be left stranded, we will get there”.

Although the drivers were positive and helpful, it was the last straw for many patrons who were injured, sick or simply fed up.

Scary footage as crowds are pushed over the barriers at Tyler the Creator's set. Scary flashbacks of Astroworld... #SITG22pic.twitter.com/dCYbof2GZK

— Matthew Gazy (@MattGazy) July 25, 2022

The Sunday sunshine drew huge numbers despite the mud but this created even bigger lines for food and drinks and bathrooms, which became infested with mud.

Tyler the Creator’s set saw people pushed and crushed into the front of the fencing adding the growing list on injuries.

Splendour announced partial $133 refunds for three-day ticket holders while Friday patrons will receive a full refund.

Sammy Ross next to her bogged van. Splendour in the Grass scene pictured on Monday. Picture: Savannah Pocock

The last two people remaining in the muddy grounds at Splendour said they had a great time.

One of them, Sammy Ross, 30, had rented a van that was still bogged on Monday afternoon.

“I kind of liked the mud. It added to the whole experience,” Ms Ross said.

Her friend, Alex B, 29, said she had a lot of fun in the mud even despite “not loving the lineup”.

“I’ve never seen so much mud in my life. I’m hoping it's dried but I’m not stressed,” she said.