The three day festival of Gumball returned triumphant to the dual stages of Dashville a couple of weeks back. The packed lineup entertained the up to 3000 strong crowd day and night, delighting our ears with the sounds of so many varied styles of music – easily something for everyone.
The Dashville promoters who also put on Thrashville, Dashville Skyline and other festival events each year really outdid themselves. It was my first visit and I was so impressed with how laid back everyone was including security, although ever present there was seemingly no need for them to be there other than to smile at all the festival goers and give directions. From the moment I drove through the gates, I was greeted by people that looked happy to be there. The layout was easy to navigate – food trucks, facilities, backstage, merch, kids area, parking, entertainment camping and shaded areas all easily within short distances of one another. No huge lineups for food or anything really. Such a lovely family event with ages ranging from babes in arms to seniors, all with loads to keep them entertained across the weekend.
Incredible headline acts came from far and wide to perform with bands including Mudhoney, Darren Hanlon, Paul Dempsey, Ben Leece (featuring Melody Poole), The Sheepdogs, Flowertruck, The Baby Animals amongst a couple of stellar cover bands – Skyhooks Show (featuring original member Bob Starkey) and The Dashville Progress Society with their 13 (!) strong musicians taking to the stage.
I can’t wait to return – definitely a music lover and photographer’s dream festival. Well done Dashville – worth every kilometre to get there!
