Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens are about to get loud. Live at the Gardens returns this Friday for its fifth season, bringing eight nights of music across three weekends, with everything from punk rock and indie favourites to grime, Australian rock legends and a medieval rave complete with dragons.
Three shows are already sold out, with Dizzee Rascal, Wolf Alice and Hoodoo Gurus proving particularly popular. But there’s plenty more on the programme.
Things kick off on Friday 20 November with Renfair Rave, a medieval-themed dance party featuring Adriana, Milo Eastwood, SWEETIE and Yacht Club DJs. Expect costumes, DJs and a healthy dose of medieval absurdity.
Saturday 21 November sees Push Over celebrate 40 years of The Push with a formidable Australian lineup. Bodyjar, Frenzal Rhomb, Killing Heidi, Magic Dirt and Regurgitator are all on board, with special collaborations featuring Alex Lahey, Alice Ivy, Baker Boy, Ruby Fields and members of Teenage Joans and Public Figures. Frankston newcomers Stimpies open proceedings.
The following weekend brings New Zealand favourites SIX60 on 27 November, joined by Perth’s South Summit. Then, on 28 November, DMA’S celebrate a decade of their debut album Hills End, alongside new material and support from Floodlights and Sleepazoid.
December opens with Cat Power performing her acclaimed 2006 album The Greatest in full on Thursday 3 December. The American singer-songwriter is joined by Courtney Marie Andrews and Melbourne’s Hedge Burners for a night that promises a change of pace.
Then come three sold-out shows to close the series. British grime pioneer Dizzee Rascal takes over on 4 December with Example, ArrDee and Swaglord Savannah, followed by Wolf Alice on 5 December. The UK rockers arrive following a massive year that includes a BRIT Award, a Royal Albert Hall headline show and the success of their latest album The Clearing. Folk Bitch Trio and Swapmeet complete the bill.
Australian rock veterans Hoodoo Gurus bring the curtain down on Sunday 6 December, celebrating 45 years with their Rewind Tour – All Killer, No Filler. They’re joined by Ratcat, marking their own 40th anniversary, and Perth garage-rock favourites The Stems.
Go HERE for ticketing information.
