A South Coast festival attendee says people need to consider whether it’s worth going, with the mercury tipped to approach 40 degrees. Photo: Kim Treasure.
The heatwave slamming much of south-east Australia has arrived just as attendees prepare for a major South Coast music festival.
Music-lover Tanya will be among those enjoying the Red Hot Summer Tour, having made plans to attend the concert with several friends, but she’s worried about the predicted 40 degree heat.
The concert will arrive in Batemans Bay on Saturday (10 January), before heading to other locations around Australia over the next few months.
While festival organisers have announced several strategies to be put in place to help people stay cool, Tanya says it won’t fully fix the problem.
She and her friends are planning to wait until the worst of the heat has peaked before making their way to the festival grounds.
“We’ll miss four or five acts … We’ve ended up deciding that’s the only way we could probably do it.”
For Tanya, it’s not about stopping promoters from scheduling live music gigs during summer (including Saturday’s festival).
Rather, she believes people need to think about whether that time of year still suits large, outside events.
“They’re [gig organisers] doing all they can, but maybe they need to not hold them in summer – hold them through autumn and spring, when it’s a bit less likely they’ll get these extremes.
“I get that it’s a personal choice to attend, but some people have saved up for this, or they’ve ‘shouted’ their family. They might feel like they have to soldier through it.”
Tanya also expects the gig to be attended by people in their “40s, at the youngest”, noting that older people can be more susceptible to the effects of heat.
Conditions are expected to ease on Saturday evening, with temperatures to be in the low 20s on Sunday (11 January).
The mercury is set to reach 40 degrees in parts of south-east NSW. Photo: Kim Treasure.
On its website, the Red Hot Summer Tour confirms that the festival is set to go ahead, regardless of the weather.
“The event will only be cancelled if the site is deemed unsafe to proceed/continue,” they outlined.
“This decision will be made by event management, venue management and emergency services. Patrons are advised to come prepared for the elements with appropriate attire, footwear, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and rain poncho.”
A spokesperson for the festival told Region the team could already see “people everywhere” in Batemans Bay as they finished preparations for the event.
“We’re all systems go,” they said.
They pointed to several measures – such as a first aid station, shade structures and umbrellas located across the ground, as well as a “misting cannon” – that will be on hand to help keep everyone as cool as possible.
Free drinking water will also be available.
“We’ll do our best to look after them,” they said.
People can bring in sealed bottles of non-carbonated water (carbonated water and other beverages are prohibited).
