- The lineup
This must surely go down as one of the greatest first lineups an Aussie festival has ever had. Where to begin? They’ve nabbed legends Sticky Fingers, as well as RUFUS, who have a electrifying live show (go to the festival solely for Take Me), Brisbane’s The Kite String Tangle as well as much-hyped Carmada. Young rapper Tkay Maidza, long time favourites Birds of Tokyo and 2014 Triple J Unearthed High’s winner Asta, making sure that no matter what you’re into, there’s something for you. While there might be some tragic clashes, hopefully they adopt a GTM approach and alternate acts on two stages.
- The Food Trucks
Normally attendance at a festival is accompanied by a resignation that dinner will probably consist of under-cooked, partially cold chips at 10.30 at night, because what else is there? This will certainly not be the case at ThisThat with a bunch of saliva-inducing food trucks parked throughout the day and night. These include Harry’s Schnitzel, which sells incredible chicken schnitzel wraps (from experience), El Poco Loco for your inevitable Mexican cravings and Berlin Bangers which sells “MASSIVE WEINERS”. What other convincing do you need?
- The Location
While I confess I’ve never been to Newcastle foreshore, the combination of music and the beach seems a guaranteed winner. Most festival goers are likely to come from Sydney, so why not make a weekend out of it and hit the beaches for a hangover cure the next morning.
- Hunt & Gather Markets
These markets are part of what the festival calls “The Other”. While sounding a little like a horror movie, in reality it is something quite lovely. Described as artisan, boutique markets, the Hunt & Gather Markets will have all things craft as well as performances and interactive elements. Perfect to slip in where there’s a gap in the line-up (although good luck finding one).
- Because who knows what to expect
There’s something intensely exciting about attending a festival in its opening year. Yes, there’ll inevitably be the mistakes that inevitably occur to every festival as they start out. But likewise, there will be highlights that no-one will be expecting. I’m putting my bets on the curiously named “The Other” to provide some memorable moments. But as always, it will be down to the music, and provided each artist plays to even half their ability, it’s guaranteed to be a good one.
Line-up
Rüfüs
Birds Of Tokyo
The Kite String Tangle
Sticky Fingers
Baauer
The Jungle Giants
Carmada
Tkay Maidza
Slumberjack
Asta
Kilter
Atlas Bound
Stephane 1993
Ivan Ooze
+ Triple J Unearthed Winner
Saturday 31st October – Newcastle Foreshore