Meredith music festival brings Jamie xx and Leo Sayer to a new generation

The Meredith music festival took place recently in Victoria, Australia, over a three-day camping event that has become notable for its unique atmosphere and community focus. Celebrating its 32nd iteration, the festival has drawn attention for its lack of corporate sponsorship, a bring-your-own ethos, and a commitment to community care. This year's festival saw a visibly younger audience, indicating that the festival's magic is resonating with a new generation of festival-goers. Among the diverse lineup of artists, impressive local talent stood out. The indie duo Good Morning performed an early afternoon set, showcasing their harmonious music to an eager crowd. As night approached, the stage was lit up with performances from US producer Mk.gee and Americana rock artist Waxahatchee, whose set was praised even as some critiqued its timing. Genesis Owusu’s midnight performance created an electrifying atmosphere as he engaged the audience with his dynamic stage presence, further highlighting the festival's vibrant energy. Notably, the festival featured a range of diverse musical genres, with various acts focusing on themes such as race and social issues. Performers like Missy Dabice of Mannequin Pussy and Indigenous rapper Barkaa addressed serious topics, bringing powerful messages to the audience. The event concluded with the celebrated headliner Jamie xx, who mesmerized the crowd with his DJ set, transitioning through tracks that kept attendees enchanted late into the night. The festival's reputation for embracing local talent and catering to the community has led to its growth amidst challenging times for Australian festivals. As the lineup included legacy acts like Leo Sayer, attendees enjoyed a mix of nostalgia and contemporary sounds, solidifying Meredith's status as a golden gem in the festival circuit. The increasing presence of younger attendees is considered a promising development for the festival's future and sustainability.