To hear that Secret Garden is hanging up the boots for the last time this year, well, it wasn’t the best way to start off the year. We’ve been dedicated returnees at the festival for the past few years, and it’s safe to say that there is no other festival like it.

There are a few elements that set the unique gathering apart. From not announcing the line up until the day tickets sell out, the themed parties that are the ultimate excuse to go all out on dressing up or the dedication to really giving back through donating to local and national charities, there’s a spirit in the air on the Downes Family Farm that pervades all aspects of the event.

Describing the decision behind making 2019 the last year, the organisers wrote in a statement, “We have known for a long time that Secret Garden 2019 would be our last year. We have always wanted to go out with a big bang and the stars have aligned for this year to be the perfect time.”

Fittingly, for the final iteration of the festival, the themes this year are “disco on a spaceship” for Friday night, and Saturday will be consumed by “a fancy dress free for all”. How you are to interpret that is up to you, but as it’s a festival known for the wild and the extravagant, feel free to coat everything in that one extra layer of glitter.

Having irrevocably changed the Australian festival landscape over the last 11 years, Secret Garden are making sure that all share in the benefits. Charities supported by this year’s festival include NT health organisation Malpa, Camp Out, a LGBTIQ camp for teens, and the local school, Cobbitty Public School.

With all this in mind, Secret Garden have offered up a few extra tickets for those who are yet to experience the festival as well as those intent on returning for one last dance.

Find out more here: https://secretgardenfestival.com.au/festival/

Jan 25 The Last Secret Garden

Jan 28 Release of the Week 28/1: LO’99 feat. Owl Eyes ‘Sometime’

Jan 23 Mix of the Week 23/1: Sebastian Gandera ‘Fonds De Tiroirs’