This time next week cars full of hipsters and hippies alike will be snaking their way up the Pacific Highway towards Byron Bay for this years Splendour in the Grass. The lineup of which, even in our eternal cynicism, we're pretty damn excited about seeing. In fact, we can't wait.

But in between the hessian wearing riff-raff, the weirdos permanently attached to corns on the cob and a whole slew of curiously tanned wide-eyed PYTs - and of course, the bands - there's a whole mess of things to keep an eye on this winter holiday weekend.

Organisers of the festival have released a whole bunch of officially sounding stuff that you'll need to read if you plan on going. It's all brutally important. But know this readers: if you plan on standing round the pie shop in the main street at three in the morning waiting for the secret cab that bypasses the line to pick you up and takes you wherever you want to go, step off. He's booked already.

The nuts and bolts are:

  • The festival is completely sold out.
  • Make sure you bring ID or you won't get in.
  • As with last year, drug detection dogs will be present.
  • Cops will chase you down, mace and manhandle you in front of your friends if you try and jump the fence. Best not.
  • In the event that you're hurt/a bit teary, First Aid services will be on hand.
  • There will be a Shuttle Bus travelling between Belongil Fields and the town of Byron Bay.
  • If you drive it will cost you $10 to park in the allotted areas. If you don't, it will cost you $197. Bit different.

If you're not going this year, here's pretty much exactly how it's going to be. Otherwise, read on, bookworms:
 
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION FOR SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS
 
With the 2009 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS festival just over one week away, organisers of the sold out event would like to provide ticket-holders with some final vital event and general safety information.  
 
As has been widely publicised, tickets to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS, on Saturday 25th July and Sunday 26th July at Belongil Fields, have completely SOLD OUT. This means there will not be event or camping tickets available for sale at the gate any time over the weekend. So to avoid disappointment, we ask that only valid ticket holders make their way to Belongil Fields, Byron Bay. And with our personalised ticketing system we also wish to remind patrons that photographic ID that corresponds with the name printed on each individual’s ticket must be presented at the gates for entry. Please go to www.splendourinthegrass.com for a complete list of acceptable identification.
 
SPLENDOUR organisers continue to work closely with the authorities and would like to advise ticket holders that once again DRUG DETECTION DOGS will be present around the Byron area and at Splendour in the Grass across the weekend. Police random breath testing units will also be active on local roads.  
 
We would also like to advise the community at large that there will be an INCREASED SECURITY AND POLICE PRESENCE for the 2009 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS event and anyone caught trying to fence jump or attempting to enter the venue unlawfully WILL be turned over to the authorities. Those caught will be immediately removed from the site and will be prosecuted. They will also be hit with a VERY HEFTY FINE, being a minimum penalty of $350.
 
Patron safety at SPLENDOUR continues to be paramount for organisers. To that end, the festival organisers have again engaged professional first aid services as well as a couple of Chillout Tents and the Doof Mamas. In addition, a breathalyser service will again be on site to allow drivers who are unsure if they are over the limit to get an indication of their blood alcohol content.
 
As always there will be special shuttle bus services operating to and from the Transit Centre in town and the event. Anyone intending to travel from town to SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS by shuttle bus will need to present his or her event ticket or wristband before boarding the service. The town shuttle will cost $3 per person per trip. Patrons are requested to use the
shuttle bus service, as it is the safest and fastest way to travel to and from the event and town. The shuttles will operate on Friday from 10am to 1am, Saturday from 8am to 2am and Sunday from 8am to 11.30pm.
 
Those intending to park in the Melaleuca Drive day carpark next door to Belongil Fields will also be checked for event tickets before they can park their vehicle. Parking costs $10 per vehicle per day with proceeds after costs going to Byron Bay High School and St Finbarrs Primary School. The carpark is open on Saturday from 9am to 3am and Sunday from 9am to
12.30am. Patrons should note that the carpark, like the campground, is a no alcohol area.
 
Do not park in the nearby Sunrise residential area or the industrial estate. There will be Special Event Parking Restrictions in place in Sunrise and Byron Shire Council Rangers will be on duty throughout the weekend. Fines for illegal parking are $197.  
 
Likewise, rangers will be on the lookout for illegal camping or people sleeping in cars. Fines range from $110 per person or $220 per person if on Crown land.
 
SPLENDOUR organisers also ask that anyone attending the festival, whether a visitor or local resident, observe the following:  
 
• Be considerate of the local community and environment.  
• Use your accommodation as a place to rest up – do your partying at the festival.
• When walking in residential areas, please keep the noise down.
• Do not litter - use trash cans or carry it on you until you find a bin.
• There are no “open air toilets” in Byron Bay or at Splendour! While there are plenty of portaloos at the festival, there are very few public toilets around town. Please plan ahead so you don’t get caught out.
 
For more detailed information on event do’s and don’t’s and local transport info please go to our official website www.splendourinthegrass.com.  
 
Organisers / Splendour In The Grass
 

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009 MAIN STAGES LINE UP
 
Bloc Party, The Flaming Lips, The Happy Mondays (in their ONLY Australian show), Jane's Addiction, MGMT (also in their ONLY Australian show), Hilltop Hoods, Grinspoon, Midnight Juggernauts, The Specials, Doves, Architecture In Helsinki, Sarah Blasko, You Am I, Augie March, Josh Pyke, The Beautiful Girls, Friendly Fires, Downsyde & Drapht, Little Birdy, Birds of Tokyo, The Gutter Twins, Kisschasy, Little Red, Bluejuice, Children Collide, Manchester Orchestra, Yuksek, Bob Evans, White Lies, Kram, Yves Klein Blue, Decoder Ring, Miami Horror, Lost Valentinos, Art vs Science, Dappled Cities, Dananananaykroyd, Paul Dempsey, Holly Throsby, Bridezilla, Jack Ladder, Leader Cheetah, The Middle East, Polaroid Fame, Deya Dova, The Glass Towers + Mixup stage DJ sets from Cut Copy DJs, Shivers & Pablo Calamari, Yacht Club DJs, Canyons, Jack Shit, Daniel Webber.
 
SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009 – SOLD OUT!
Sat July 25th and Sunday July 26th
Belongil Fields,
Byron Bay