Goat Island Sounds Festival, Sydney - 26/1/2017

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​Goat Island Sounds was definitely a festival with a unique, chilled out and underground vibe. Setting off from King Street Wharf,  Darling Harbour on a ferry to an island with amazing views of the city was a perfect way to start the festival and set the atmosphere for the day ahead. The afternoon part of the festival was held in two areas. At The Green, you could chill out, look out on to the harbour, and have a picnic, chat and play cricket all while listening to the Triple J Hottest 100. It had a really relaxed and friendly vibe and everyone was enjoying the good tunes and view. As you keep walking up you get to the Harbour Stage where Adi Toohey, Arianne and Kuren were playing some electronic dance tunes getting everyone in the mood for the party. The bar and food vendor were up here too. Getting a drink was pretty easy as the lines weren’t too long, but there was only food vendor. As it was the festival’s first time I understand there only being one food vendor, but having another one would have made getting food a lot easier and give people more options as well. As it got darker everyone was moved to another part of the island for more festival fun. ​

The change of scenery from the harbour to a more industrial atmosphere with old cranes, an old jail with sandstone and a shed with tug boats was really cool, interesting and definitely showed how Goat Island Sounds is a unique and boutique festival. Everyone was so excited for the new scenery to start off the night time celebrations. It kicked off with Ngaiire on the Quarry Stage who gave a spectacular performance with her impressive voice and dancers on stage. Then I went in to the Shed to check out the Hottest 100 countdown. Everyone was really having fun, singing and dancing together to all the favourite songs from the past year. When “ Never Be Like You” by Flume came on the shed just came alive! Then I went back to the Quarry Stage to settle in to the live music for the rest of the night. Basenji was going off on stage, getting everyone dancing, hyped up and energetic with his electronic dance moves. 

​Then for the final act Nina Las Vegas came on stage to end the night with her iconic dance tunes and upbeat personality. I walked back towards the ferry, feet tired and buzzed on the music of the day. It was such a good way to end the festival sitting on top of the ferry taking in the sea breeze and beautiful night lights of Sydney Harbour. If you want to go to a festival to have fun with mates, make new ones, chill out, dance dance dance and take in views of the Sydney Harbour then Goat Island Sounds Festival is what you’re looking for.

Reviewer: Elly-Kate McEwan