There’s less than a week to go until the Big Day Out kicks off its 20th anniversary in Australia on the Gold Coast and the organisers have revealed one more trick up their sleeve to entice those who haven’t bought tickets yet to rush online and get clicking.
The first announcement is that Lilyworld this year will not come in the form of their own stage but in their words has gone ‘free range’. This means that their soft toy cannons, big balls, ambient surfboard, pancake happiness centre and more will be roaming around the festival site. We’re not sure this was the smartest move but we’ll reserve our judgement until we experience the new format ourself.
Big Day Out have also made a number of last minute additions to the lineup in the form of special guests including in Sydney where Grinspoon, who are no strangers to those who have frequented the festival before, have been added.
A new addition to the Melbourne event is Grind Time Now Australia, a division of Grind Time Now – the world’s largest rap battle league. Grind Time Now Australia will be held in the boiler room where upcoming rappers will go head to head on stage.
But it’s fans in Adelaide who are in for the biggest treat with the addition of two acts, Brooklyn’s Das Racist who is currently one of the hottest acts in hip-hop, and The Living End who have made it back on to the bill after being removed during the artist reshuffle and venue downgrade in the city.
Locals petitioned the promoters to have the Australian band brought back and it looks like their efforts have paid off.
The Big Day Out kicks off in the Gold Coast this Sunday before heading to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth.
SPECIAL GUESTS SYDNEY: GRINSPOON
Thursday, 26 January, 2012 – Sydney Showgrounds
Essential Stage: 8.30pm – 9.20pm
SPECIAL GUESTS MELBOURNE: GRIND TIME NOW AUSTRALIA
Sunday, 29 January, 2012 – Flemington Racecourse
Boiler Room: 12.20pm – 12.40pm
SPECIAL GUESTS ADELAIDE: DAS RACIST
Friday, 3 February, 2012 – Adelaide Showground
Hot Produce Stage: 7.30pm – 8.15pm
SPECIAL GUESTS ADELAIDE: THE LIVING END
Friday, 3 February, 2012 – Adelaide Showground
Skate Stage: 6.00pm – 6.45pm
