After a two-year hiatus due to COVID Falls Byron returned to North Byron Parklands between December 31 and January 2.
With close to 20,000 patrons, and 10,000 camping on site, there were concerns over a repeat of the Splendour In The Grass traffic disaster. However, Festival Director Brandon Saul said ‘There were no delays getting campers on to the site on December 30 nor during exit on 3 January, with all campers exiting the site by 10.30am and the grounds left in impeccable condition thanks to the campers and workers.
‘Falls Byron highlight acts included Lil Nas X who rang in the New Year with a spectacular show with eight dancers and multiple costume changes. Earlier in the afternoon, the OG (original) Wiggles line-up had the thousands-strong crowd singing and dancing the “Hot Potato”. DJ Peggy Gou, Jamie XX, Spacey Jane and Amyl and the Sniffers all attracted large crowds and UK rockers The Arctic Monkeys closed the festival on Monday night, performing to a large and appreciative crowd,’ said a spokesperson for Byron Falls.
Plastic bottles
The policy not to sell plastic water bottles at the festival and supplying free water refill stations was successful said organisers.
‘Not selling plastic water bottles at the festival has a very positive impact on the amount of waste generated as well as the workload of our cleaning staff. We’d like to thank our patrons for embracing this initiative so wholeheartedly,’ said Mr Saul.
‘A huge amount of effort went into creating this festival and we would like to thank all the artists, staff, service personnel, stall holders and the large contingent of volunteers. The police, security and Red Frogs volunteers did an excellent job of keeping our patrons safe. The festival patrons should be congratulated for making the eighth Falls Byron such a great experience, and the local community for being such a gracious host.’
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
