Splendour Cancelled Second Year Running

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Post on Jan 23, 2025

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Splendour Cancelled Second Year Running: Mud, Mayhem, and My Miserable Missed Trip

Ugh, Splendour in the Grass. Just the name conjures up images of sunshine, killer music, and questionable fashion choices. But for the second year running, those images were replaced with… well, mud. Lots and lots of mud. And a whole lotta disappointment. This year's cancellation? A total gut punch. Let me tell you why.

The Great Mudpocalypse of '23 (and '22)

Last year, I was so hyped. Tickets secured months in advance, outfit planned (think boho chic meets practical rain boots – I learned my lesson in 2022), and a playlist curated to perfection. Then the deluge hit. Not a gentle shower, people, a full-blown monsoon. The festival became a massive, muddy swamp. I watched in disbelief as videos flooded my social media – people practically swimming in the muck. My carefully constructed fantasy of perfect festival vibes crumbled faster than a soggy biscuit. I had to pull out – my already expensive tickets (seriously, they’re not cheap!) were a complete waste. I missed out on seeing my favorite band. That was brutal.

This year? I was hesitant, to say the least. The memories of last year's disaster were still fresh in my mind. Still, a small part of me held onto hope. Maybe this year would be different. Maybe the gods of Australian weather would be kind. Spoiler alert: they weren't. Again, the rain came down, transforming the festival grounds into an impassable bog. The cancellation announcement? Devastating. Absolutely gut-wrenching.

Lessons Learned (the hard way)

So, what did I learn from two consecutive years of Splendour-related heartbreak? A few things, actually. Firstly, travel insurance is your BFF. Seriously, invest in good travel insurance that covers event cancellations. It's an extra expense, sure, but it's a heck of a lot better than losing hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars.

Secondly, check the weather forecast religiously. This seems obvious, but I'll admit, I got a little complacent after the first year. Don't let optimism cloud your judgment. If the forecast looks dodgy, be prepared to adjust your plans – or even cancel altogether. It sucks, but it's better than getting stuck in a mud pit.

Third, consider the festival's cancellation policy. This is crucial. Before you buy tickets, familiarize yourself with their cancellation policy. Some festivals offer refunds, others offer credits for future events. Knowing the terms and conditions in advance will make dealing with a cancellation situation significantly easier.

Fourth, Pack smart. If you're determined to go (despite the odds!), pack appropriately. Waterproof everything, bring sturdy rain boots (I'm not joking, they are an investment), and layers of clothing. Comfort is key, trust me. And maybe, just maybe, pack some extra cash for unexpected expenses, because that second round of muddy boots might be necessary.

This whole thing really sucks, especially after spending so much money for festival tickets, but I am trying to stay positive. Next year will be different… right?

Beyond the Mud: Thinking About the Future of Splendour

This repeated cancellation raises bigger questions. Is the festival's location susceptible to extreme weather events? Are there better ways to manage risk and mitigate the impact of severe weather? These are issues the organizers need to address to rebuild trust.

For me, though, it’s about learning from mistakes and planning better, not giving up my hope. Maybe next year, the stars will align, and I'll finally experience the legendary Splendour in the Grass. Maybe. Fingers crossed, and definitely with a thorough check of the weather forecast this time.