Following the cancellation of the Playground Weekender earlier this week after extreme rainfall flooded the festival site at the Del Rio Riverside Resort in Wisemans Ferry, the promoters have announced a raft of alternative venues across Sydney will now host the high profile international and local artists booked to perform.
Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday, ticketholders will be able to salvage their celebrations as the Metro Theatre, Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel and The Roundhouse host a jam packed itinerary of eclectic artists.
The three-day festival was cancelled on advice of the State Emergency Services and NSW Police in relation to the flood risks presented by the dangerous levels of the Warragamba Dam.
“With the event being cancelled less than 36 hours before it was due to start, we wanted to ensure all those who had spent a year looking forward to the best weekend of the year, could still enjoy some of the exciting entertainment planned,” said promoter Andy Rigby.
“The artists are here, the people are here, so the idea was to put on the best party humanly possible within the incredibly short time frame. We tried to get an outdoor space but the weather just kept on getting worse so we’ve had to go indoors.”
“We were absolutely overwhelmed by the support of our loyal following who return each year because of the award-winning crowd and atmosphere and venues in the city who rallied together to help us through what has been an extremely tough time. The show must go on!”
Ticketholders will be able to access all of the events taking place completely free of charge AND will be able to retain their ticket to claim a refund as per the terms and conditions of purchase.
Refund options are currently being explored and the process of how to claim will be confirmed next week. Alternatively, people are invited to keep hold of their tickets which will be valid for Playground Weekender 2013.
Roots Manuva, James Lavelle’s UNKLE Sounds, Lainie Lane, Bonobo and Neon Indian are some of the other musical highlights on offer. Damian Lazarus head honcho of the Cross Town Rebels will be bringing the Rebel Rave Crew to Sydney for a night of epic proportions with sets from the likes of Art Department, Lee Burridge and Danny Daze. Also taking to the decks will be Greg Wilson, Russ Yallop and many, many more.
The nation’s largest Fancy Dress Party, which has become an attraction in itself over the years, will be in in full swing with the ‘uniquely talented’ Cuban Brothers at the helm. Fancy dress is encouraged throughout the weekend’s festivities.
A limited number of people wishing to join the fun who had not originally bought tickets, will be able to purchase them on the door.
A ballot system for free tickets to see disco legends Chic featuring founding member Nile Rodgers perform at Sydney’s Metro Theatre on Monday night will be in operation. This will be the band’s first ever performance in Australia.
Guests will be getting their groove on to their classic hits including ‘Everybody Dance’, ‘I Want Your Love’ and ‘Le Freak’ not to mention a debut performance of INXS Original Sin which was also produced by Nile.
To ease travel across the city in the rain, the promoters are also putting on buses to transport people between the Beach Road Hotel and The Metro on Saturday.
No guest list places will be available for these events.
Full entertainment schedule below:
SATURDAY – PLAYGROUND BEACHENDER
ROOM 1
NEON INDIAN
BLACK LIPS
LANIE LANE
SEEKAE
FAIT ACCOMPLI
ROOM 2
GREG WILSON
KIRK DEGIORGIO
ALEX PATTERSON (THE ORB)
+ SUPPORTING ARTISTS FROM CLUB TROPICANA
The Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
1pm – 12am
Tickets: free with Playground Weekender tickets or $50 on the door
SATURDAY – REBEL RAVERS OF THE LOST ARK
REBEL RAVE presents
DAMIAN LAZARUS
LEE BURRIDGE
ART DEPARTMENT
DANNY DAZE
AMIRALI (LIVE)
RUSS YALLOP
BROHN
Metro Theatre, George Street, Sydney
9pm – 3am
Tickets: free with Playground Weekender tickets or $50 on the door
SUNDAY – ALL ABOARD
ROOTS MANUVA
BONOBO
SHAPESHIFTER
JAMES LAVELLE (UNKLE SOUNDS)
GREG WILSON
CUBAN BROTHERS
DANNY LA RU(E)
+ SUPPORTING ARTISTS FROM CLUB TROPICANA
Roundhouse, University of New South Wales, Anzac Parade, Kensington
2pm – 11pm
Tickets: free with Playground Weekender tickets or $60 on the door
