Preparations for the sixth annual Falls Music & Arts Festival Byron are in full swing: campers began arriving over the weekend, the festival is set to start later today and runs until January 2.
US hip hop and R&B artist Anderson.Paak will ring in New Year on the main stage and Toto will bless the rains down in Africa with a sunset set on the last day, which will no doubt be the opportunity for a massive singalong as was the case with Darryl Braithwaite and ‘Horses’ last year.
Local artist Andrew Macdonald has curated the arts program this year which will feature cardboard creations from Boxwars and a ‘Cavepeople vs Sabre-toothed tigers’ cardboard battle on New Years Eve.
The arts program also includes a punk showcase of 10 local bands programmed by local DIY legends Howl & Moan Records, the inclusive dance stylings of Bring A Plate and daily comedy and workshops curated by infamous troublemaker Mandy Nolan.
While there are still some 1-day and 3-day tickets available at www.fallsfestival.com organisers have noted they are selling quickly.
Orange pill warning
Organisers have meanwhile sent text messages to punters at all three Falls Festivals after its medical teams alerted them to an orange pill that was ‘currently in circulation across Australia’.
One man died and two people had to be hospitalised after taking an ‘unknown substance’ at an unrelated music festival west of Gosford on Saturday.
Police have not revealed whether the orange tablets were involved but the incident has left festival organisers and punters on high alert.
A Falls Festival spokesperson told Echonetdaily, ‘Although we’ve had a safe Falls Festival to date our medical teams have alerted us to a dangerous orange pill that is currently in circulation across Australia.
‘Regardless of pill variation, we want to remind everyone of the potentially fatal risks that come with illicit substances. You do not know what is in them, how your body will react, there is no safe level of consumption.
‘One pill can kill.
‘We also want to reiterate if you or any of your friends are feeling unwell or concerned for your health please seek medical attention immediately. The event and medical teams are here to help you without judgement.
‘If you see anyone in trouble, please alert event staff immediately or call the Patron Safety Hotline to report.
‘We also encourage you to dispose of any drugs safely. We want all of you to have a great time and enjoy a safe festival experience,’ the spokesperson said.
