From the desk of

Aunty Meredith

Not gonna be writing a Review of last year’s as that would be a little skewed, history written by the winners etc etc. Plus there’s enough of them out there and it’s not required. So haven’t done it. But suffice to say it went Outrageously Well. (how about the no queue to get in, huh? huh? not bad eh. Good work by our Receptionists.) Thanks for all the positive and constructive feedback. It is What It is because of That.

Looking ahead…boy…this year will be the 20th Anniversary Meredith. Gots lots of ideas for doing something appropriately celebratory but more contemplation required. Have thought about having some Function in town but really the festival itself should be the focus of anything Special. And Special it shall be. Happy to hear any ideas of any kind for the 20th though…if you got any (even half-ideas) lets hear them.

You can tell us what you thought of Meredith Number Nineteen here. Some photos here and some others here.

cheers

Aunty

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old news…

Right then. Here We Go Again, For The Very First Time.

BEFORE TOO LONG

Yes, we are There Yet. The Nineteenth Annual Episode of Meredith’s own Meredith is about to unspool in full technicolour 4-D glory. For Those About To we look forward to The Pleasure of Your Company.

I’VE DONE ALL THE DUMB THINGS

Meredith goes for three days and is outdoors so you HAVE to plan ahead (like…now). A pdf called The Pocket Companion has everything you need to know to Make Your Meredith, including Map, Playing Times, Directions, Rules, Handy Tips and a comparative overview of marina berths on the Eastern Seaboard. If you are going to Meredith you must download, read and take Pocket Companion with you:

Click Here To Download Pocket Companion

For an encyclopedic-yet-intuitive list of Every Meredith Topic go to Info.

DEEPER WATER

Looking at the weather you need to bring warm and waterproof clothes and plenty of them. That doesn’t just mean “a jumper” that means a few jumpers, warm coat, beanie, thermals if you’ve got ‘em. There’s a chance of showers (as opposed to rain) so a good raincoat and boots are essential as is a quality tent that don’t leak. The nights will be cold, so you will need warm bedding, extra blankets or doonas. However Saturday and Sunday should be fine days in the main. The site will be the greenest its been for the festival for at least ten years.

HOW TO MAKE GRAVY

Whilst Meredith might feel like a sovereign dominion (her own country) the usual laws apply within as they do without. Likewise, the laws of the human body apply the same there as anywhere. To that end, you need to know: no fires, no glass, no cooking, no gas bottles, no flares or fireworks, carry photo ID, trespassers will be prosecuted, wear your wristband at all times, no stage diving moshing or crowd surfing, bring plenty warm clothes and sensible shoes, bring enough cash, check the tent now to make sure its in good order, and please look after yourself and others.

FROM LITTLE THINGS

The new, massive, shady campground called Bluegums will be open, however its not yet in ripping nick. It needs a floor. It is a plantation of bluegums, the canopy of which has blocked light and moisture from reaching the ground, hence, no grass no groundcover. Bit dirty love. You are very welcome to camp in there but if you plan to do so please bring some spare tarps to peg on the ground, or old carpet or somesuch floor covering.

FROM ST KILDA TO BUSH CAMP

We highly recomend and encourage Meredithians to hire a Chartered Bus and driver to get there and back. Or hire a small bus and designate their own driver. We have put in some tips and protocols to make this even easier. These are also relevant to friends and relatives dropping off and picking up. We respect the work of Victoria Police who have booze and drug buses set up before and after the festival as they do for many events. Get there and back safely.

OTHER PEOPLE’S HOUSES

Yurts3[1]

Yurts are amazing things. Stood for centuries in all kinds of weather in Mongolia, Afghanistan and Pakenham. You can hire them at Meredith – they are not cheap but they are incredible. Couple left now…go here for details.

THE MOST WANTED MAN IN THE WORLD

Coupla things that needed to be addressed will be addressed this season. The first is a ban on raised furniture in the amphi. This means couches that have extended legs built on or are on raised platforms are banned from the amphitheatre. There’s also a ban loud on annoying your neighbours with loud music in the campgrounds. Meredith has always had a No Dickheads policy and it’s time to just ease that into further effect in a coupla places.

LEAPS AND BOUNDS

Tickets are in the form of wristbands this year. There is only one type of ticket – a FriSatSun – which gets you Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday will start a half day earlier (gates open 8am Friday, don’t come earlier as roadblocks are in place) so you Get More Meredith in 2009. With the new campground and the speedier wristband gate scanning system, everyone will be in and happy in good time. Live music will start earlier than previous years at around 4pm.Please note that Crocodiles have cancelled their Australian Tour due to family illness. The fantastic Witch Hats join the LineUp as a late addition, playing Friday evening.

More soon, see you in the Sup,

Aunty Signature

ps yes ice is available on site