Since beginning as a small gathering between mates in 1991, Meredith music festival has been a fixture on the Victorian live music calendar. The three-day camping event has several points of difference from other festivals: no corporate sponsorship, a BYO ethos and a focus on community care. With Australian festivals dropping like flies, it feels miraculous that the little festival that could is not only still going, but growing: the crowd at the 32nd iteration is noticeably younger, suggesting that the magic is spreading to a new generation.
This year, the eclectic lineup includes a number of local acts that have broken overseas. In a rare home town show, indie duo Good Morning – expanding to a nine-piece live – has an early Friday afternoon slot, showcasing their gorgeous harmonies and lush musical arrangements. A raucous rendition of Country closes the set, as friends of the band come on to the stage shaking maracas and dancing along; in the crowd, shoes are raised, the festival’s signature gesture of approval.
