What do you like about the festival?
by admin 4:46pm, 9 October 2009If you like the Festival, tell us why. The music? The people? The beach? To catch up with friends? Because it’s free? Anything else?
This discussion topic is closed. You can still review the discussion but it will no longer accept comments or votes.
Berto
5:45pm, 9 October 2009
19
1 
It's simply the BEST festival of the year (amongst others) but this one is FREE indeed. Loving to catch up with - for once - Brunswick and Fitzroy friends who come down past the river.
sonsofabraham
3:25pm, 15 October 2009
16
1
The music - Yes, the music is rad... especially the rock!
The people - the people are always friendly.
The beach - is awesome fun and the views are excellent!
To catch up with friends - and meeting new friends
And that its free!!!! thats a lot cheaper than the other festivals... St.Kilda Festival has always been the one not to miss.
ClaireWyndham
9:11pm, 19 October 2009
16
2
The Worlds 3rd largest community festival... what isn't to like?? This is by far the greatest event in Australia! The music, the people, the bars, the food, the street performers! I look forward to Summer for this very reason! It is the reason I love to tell people I live in St Kilda!!!!
LaLola
3:28pm, 14 November 2009
0
1
Should we be proud of the Festival's size? Surely the music is more important than numbers. The growth of the Festival has actually compromised the programming. We've lost two stages - the two that used to be in Acland Street, one at the Barkly Street end and the other at Carlisle Street end. They had some great local acts and traditional migrant music and dance. There are now too many people in the relatively narrow Acland Street to make it safe to have these stages. Only the Belford Street stage remains. What a loss!
andrew9
7:39pm, 20 October 2009
10
2
everything is to like , how could you not like it , the music the bars the sun the fun , l open my back door and hear it all and smile then go and join in
GeorgiePorgy
1:49pm, 21 October 2009
15
2
A free festival with great music that brings St Kilda to life. With the beaches, foreshore, parks, as well as bars, pubs, restaurants and music venues - there is no better place to put on an urban festival.
long_term_st_kilda_resident
8:19pm, 22 October 2009
3
21
Duncan
10:03am, 25 October 2009
8
1
Why don't you tell us what exactly you don't like about it? Why you and likeminded people should be able to veto an event with overwhelming support inside and out of your own community?
St Kilda Cutie
6:26pm, 27 October 2009
0
0
Removed by moderator - the comment failed to respect other users
Jemima_A_83
6:26pm, 27 October 2009
4
2
Why do you live in St Kilda then? Or why don't you even go away for the day? I have some friends who aren't always into it and that's what they do and they're fine with that for a single day of the year. Simple really...
Jemima_A_83
6:33pm, 27 October 2009
5
2
Oh and PS, I have just come across the other stuff you have been expressing in this forum and seriously, do you actually have anything constructive to say or are you the same as those grumpy residents that live opposite the Myer Music Bowl who complain about that too (hello if you live inner city you're going to have to contend with this kind of thing)?! It's this kind of attitude that is ruining live music in Melbourne. Clearly you should have done your research when investing in real estate. Perhaps somewhere like Croydon or Lilydale would be more suitable...
St Kilda Cutie
6:38pm, 27 October 2009
1
2
Suite123
9:08am, 29 October 2009
3
0
Like most people who have lived in St Kilda I wasn't crazy about it when I lived there. Too many people invading where I live, noise, etc.
However, when I was younger and didn't live in the area I thought it was superb.
ChanStk
10:18am, 25 October 2009
13
2
By far my FAVOURITE day of the year! Warm weather, friendly people, great food, music and so much more. Its the best finding a spot for the day and doing some people watching - very entertaining! If they stop St Kilda festival it would be a great shame, people from ALL over Melbourne come for the very reasons St Kilda festival is the way it is... A fantastic, enjoyable day for all ages!! KEEP ST KILDA FESTIVAL!! It would be wrong to stop it!
Hedrick76
2:34pm, 25 October 2009
9
2
Catchhing up with all my mates. You always have some new mates by the end of the day, brilliant. Its free so theres no excuse and everyone goes.
And St Kilda! Its always been the place to come to for music, fun and the beach. Its awesome that on one day we all come at once
St Kilda Local Guy
4:44pm, 27 October 2009
10
2
St Kilda is Melbournes iconic playground and its the inetresting collection of people, music, business, events,beach culture, art and general bohemic lifestyle that appeals to all and that includes the St Kilda Festival. The council has managed this event extremely well and should be congratulated for this as it profiles St Kilda not only through Melbourne, but right around the world. Who needs a tourism campaign when you have the FREE St Kilda Festival. Viva La Festival and phooey to those that cant cope for only one day!
St Kilda Cutie
6:25pm, 27 October 2009
3
2
ah, well, i like all of it really. Its the best day ever. Whats better than hanging with the girls in St Kilda checkin out the boys and listening to some great music? Bring on 2010.
Jemima_A_83
6:51pm, 27 October 2009
8
2
It's like the ultimate Sunday session! There is something about being at St Kilda beach on a warm weekend with half of Melbourne at your side, not having to think about about work the next day, having a quiet beverage in a local venue and a bit of a boogie down at one of the stages hosting bands that I haven't necessarily dicovered yet - love! Blissful freedom. People say Australia lacks culture - they're wrong, this is what it's all about!
Oh and the novelty of being able to run all over the closed roads in the crowds kind of never wears off :)
ppnumber1
8:26pm, 27 October 2009
9
3
I am a st kilda resident too. I think it's a great festival and don't see how one week(end) of music and partying in your suburb can be a problem.
Davidson
2:45pm, 14 November 2009
2
1
It isn't just one day of partying. It's:
Christmas
New Years Eve
New Years Day
Festival
Grand Prix
The repetitive partying is the problem.
Also, as a St Kilda resident, shouldn't that be "our suburb" not "your suburb"?
Jemima_A_83
7:28pm, 15 November 2009
0
0
And this is again where I pipe in and say, if the nature of St Kilda, the events it hosts and the people it attracts doesn't suit your lifestyle, why do you live there? You are not bound to St Kilda. There are many beautiful suburbs in Melbourne that you would probably enjoy more, facing less interruption, like Albert Park or Elwood.
pencil
11:15pm, 28 October 2009
6
2
It's the best Summers day ever !! I Love sitting outside Luna Park watching all the punters, enjoying a picnic, good company (mainly St Kilda residents) & listening to fab music. I then spend the late arvo roaming to different venues to catch more tunes and meet friends. Finally, make it down to the foreshore, via The Espy, and enjoy the music that is on offer. Perfect day.
David@StKildaRoad
10:45am, 29 October 2009
3
5
As a resident, I don't like the St Kilda Festival. It is too big and not for me - yet I help pay for it.
St Kilda residents have to put up with too many drunks, too much traffic interruptions from a whole host of events, Grand Prix, the Festival, two marathon races etc. How many weekends do I have to leave my home each year
When is there going to be a small localised festival for residents with great music?
Jemima_A_83
11:16am, 29 October 2009
5
1
As a resident also, there are many, many things that the council funds that I don't benefit from and are totally irrelevant to me. St Kilda Festival is the one thing that I do love and benefit directly from as I have a passion for arts and culture. So I guess, council's money is always going to go to many different places to cater for a whole range of people and not necessarily people who live in the area. Look at the big picture.
If you notice too, the event is supported by not only council, but commercial sponsors and I just noticed on their website Arts Victoria as well. I'm guessing that this kind of funding is critical to even running any kind of arts related thing so given where that money comes from surely the festival should be for everyone in Victoria, not just yourself and your neighbour down the road?
ClaireWyndham
2:01pm, 29 October 2009
3
1
Couldn't have said it better myself! We just helped pay for another bike path upgrade on Fitzroy St. In my opinion it wasn't needed, but I dealt with it because I am sure the bike riders of St Kilda (and beyond) are thrilled with it. That is just the way the cookie crumbles in life... suck it up people!
David@StKildaRoad
4:06pm, 29 October 2009
3
3
i work in the arts so I am a big supporter of the arts. the St Kilda Festival is however in my view a poor use of the COPP arts dollar. Many residents could get better value if the dollars put to the festival were put to more localised arts events.
Jemima_A_83
4:28pm, 29 October 2009
5
1
In terms of live music, I totally disagree. The festival provides great exposure to young and upcoming artists to a really diverse crowd that they would never have the opportunity to play in front of otherwise. It exemplifies the melting pot for local musical talent that St Kilda is known for (but sadly slowing losing this). The crowd that these local St Kilda artists need to get a leg up and support them is not going to attend a localised and potentially pompous arts event that only a select few know about.
stkildastateofmind
11:56pm, 1 November 2009
3
0
um this is the page where you comment on what you like about the festival...sounds like you don't really like where you live. i think you should stop going away for the weekend and just go away.
Violette
8:40am, 16 November 2009
1
0
Half the reason that the real estate prices of suburbs like StKilda, Fitzroy and Brunswick started sky-rocketing in the late 90's was due to the culture, festivals and wonderful growth of these suburbs into creative fun places to live.
dzray43
11:42am, 29 October 2009
8
2
Everything! An icon that MUST be protected. St Kilda has been a celebration place for over 150 years - this MUST remain!
Adrian Jackson of Middle Park
2:29pm, 29 October 2009
3
6
Well, is not free as we ratepayers help pay for it. I would charge a $10 entry fee (stamp in wrist to probe you have paid) but no fencing or gates. I like most of the music although some if it is to loud. Loud music usually means bad music. Rather than big arenas like on the foreshore near the sea baths small more intimate music points are better. You have some already like in Acland St. The noisy racket on the road between the Palais and Luna Park should to be tones down too. I love watching the Salsa dancing in Fitzroy St
ranchsam
4:17pm, 29 October 2009
7
2
I love the fact that it is free and you don't have to pay to see great music. This is very rare in today’s word where nothing is free! I really like the salsa dancing and swing dancing too! I also love that it brings people together and is a community celebration. I don't see any issues with people coming from all over Melbourne and afar, since when has St Kilda belonged to just the residence anyway? It's always been a place for people to visit from far and wide, this is what makes it such and interesting place!
andrew9
7:18pm, 29 October 2009
4
2
blah blah blah l also am a ratepayer and resident for years as if this give me more right. l pay rates for days like this
hannah
8:21pm, 29 October 2009
4
2
Love It!
The St Kilda Festival is great because there is a great mix of music, and it's lots of fun not only having the big names to look forward too, but also discovering small local acts. Fairly unique oppurtunity I think, and we're lucky to have it in our neighbourhood, supporting local St Kilda bands.
As for residents paying for it, Money cannot be spent to suit everyone at once. The St Kilda Festival should be kept because it is an event that really brings people together, and everyone has equal oppurtunity to enjoy it.
It wouldn't be the same if it was smaller, because there wouldn't be the great combination of acts, along with the multitude of smaller attractions like the Salsa dancing, and the alternative, but fun music.
LaLola
1:45pm, 31 October 2009
6
2
I like the music. But why do we need additional events such as mountainboarding, fat tyre fliers, V8 supercar simulators, fair ground, rides, Foxtel Village? What do they have to do with showcasing and celebrating emerging music and local arts and culture?
Tony
10:24pm, 5 November 2009
1
1
But why can't they just be about entertainment? I don't see the harm. And in fact I can't sit and listen to music all day, I like getting around and seeing some other things. To be honest these are great for my kids as well, they really don't want to spend the day listening to dad's music. So, something for them and something for me, where is the problem?
ali_harry
9:43am, 6 November 2009
0
0
“local arts and culture”
Well, I guess that depends on what your narrow view of culture is. What people regard as culture, or entertainment, will vary depending on a lot of different things like their age, gender, background. You probably think culture is more refined like opera or classical music –I like those things too, but the festival might not be the place for them. For a lot of people skateboarding or extreme sports IS culture, and who are you to say that this doesn’t belong at the festival?
I think the festival does a very good job of showcasing and celebrating what is considered contemporary culture. To exclude events like bmx riding or kite boarding is to cancel out the views of a whole lot of people that would consider that to be a cultural experience, or as has also been said –just for the sake of entertainment. Not everyone wants to see the same things you do.
MoonUnit
9:46pm, 1 November 2009
6
2
As a long term St Kilda resident I feel very proud of the festival. There's no where else in Melbourne that has this sense of community like St Kilda does on festival day. It's a hugely important part of the culture of the suburb, which is by far one of the most unique in the state. No other part of Melbourne feels like St Kilda, and the fact that our council has the courage, skill and effort to put on an amazing festival every year is something to be envied.
stkildastateofmind
12:02am, 2 November 2009
4
1
i have so many happy memories of st kilda festival...music, culture, friends, strangers, sun, beach, bars, great food, wierdos, tourists, artists, homeless, families, multiculturalism, street performers, crowds, excitement, beer, all in my favourite place...st kilda.
p0z
11:09am, 2 November 2009
3
1
i love the festival for the beach and the music and the peopple and just its a great weekend:)
Betty
10:11am, 4 November 2009
3
1
I have been to hundreds of festivals around the world and the St Kilda Festival has been one of my favourites. The beautiful location and (mostly) perfect weather makes it a great place to hang out, meet with friends and catch a great show.
stkildastateofmind
2:15am, 5 November 2009
4
1
I love that St Kilda Festival is for everyone! I love that people can come from areas where not much happens and experience the music and festivities with us...
This is what it means to live in St Kilda!!
hopeforthefest
9:48am, 16 November 2009
0
0
very well said - they can come from anywhere, see so much!... and not spend any money aside from their transport ticket.
I live here in st kilda and am so proud of sharing my favourite environment with visitors.
stkildastateofmind
2:16am, 5 November 2009
4
2
I love how clean St Kilda looks the day after...sparkling!
Dobbo
12:09pm, 5 November 2009
4
1
IT'S FUN, FREE, SAFE and has an awesome ATMOSPHERE!!
Where else can you get a stage with a setting such as st kilda beach.
Tony
10:19pm, 5 November 2009
3
1
I like that for one day people and celebrating are more important than cars driving on a road or business as usual. And I definitely like the music. Although I'm not sure that is really what makes the festival unique, I think its the urban gathering just as much. Its great every year, even when the bands are not.
CraMar
3:34pm, 8 November 2009
1
1
I love that I can catch the ferry across from Williamstown (on a calm day!) and just wander - never seeing everything - and enjoy all this magnificent festival has to offer. It also reminds me of all the things I can come over and visit at other times of the year - that is it highlights St Kilda as Melbourne's premier destination for art, dining, beachcombing, parks, playgrounds, spot, chilling out, meeting people, music, the Espy, etc, etc. Must keep St Kilda Festival!
Susty
3:05pm, 9 November 2009
0
1
The way that the Indig part of the Festival, Yalukit Wilam Ngargee, makes a real effort to be environmentally sustainable and reduce its impact each year is inspiring. Hopefully, the main part of the Festival can start to green up too, as already happens at so many other great festivals.
Dockers14
1:13am, 10 November 2009
4
1
Growing up in a conservative little backwater - namely Perth - the festival was an absolute revelation for me. Frustrated by the 'no' mentality of my home town experiencing the festival was like breathing in oxygen for the first time. The buzz and electricity in the air was palpable and the free spirited collective excitement and sense of community was something I hadn't properly experienced before. Live music on the beach with the sun setting on the bay as a backdrop was just perfect.There is no other festival in the country that has such a sense of occasion and sense of place, and if we were to lose it we would lose much more than just a 'festival' we would lose a bit of the soul of the place.
b_r
6:13pm, 10 November 2009
2
1
The St.Kilda festival is a welcome celebration of the diversity of our community and a strong reflection of the colour, life and culture of its host suburb St.Kilda - the reason so many love the suburb, and one of the reasons so many choose to call it home. If this culture is to survive and indeed thrive, then events such as the festival need to be nurtured, encouraged and embraced. These events and the many satellite activities that occur as a direct result, are the fundamental elements of the cultural fabric of St.Kilda and more broadly, of Melbourne and Victoria.
This review makes it possible for the many voices that make up our diverse community to be heard - the discourse should be encouraged and the multiplicity of views listened to; including those who have had a negative experience of the festival. Much has changed in the thirty years since the festival's beginnings - both in St.Kilda the suburb and with the evolution of the festival itself, and clearly there are many things which are working well, and others which need to be reconsidered. Beyond this year, we look forward to the 31st festival; the one which will have taken on board the many valuable contributions that have been made to this forum and the review, and the one which will have addressed the negative experiences of the few, and enhanced the positive experiences of the many.
stkildastateofmind
12:14pm, 13 November 2009
1
1
Nikki
7:04pm, 13 November 2009
2
1
I like strolling the streets on a sunny day, checking out all the people, taking in the atmosphere. I think it's a great day and I really enjoy all the little hidden nooks off the main drag like the World Music Stage, Linden Gallery, the Salsa dancing classes etc.
My only complaint is that a lot of these activities close up when it starts to get dark, giving the festival over to the main stage and the drinking venues. It would be good to see some public events after dark that were a little more family friendly.
boogieon
9:39pm, 14 November 2009
3
1
Having worked on the festival a few years ago what I like about the event is that the team who put it together are extreamly passionate about delivering a diverse program of quality music/performers on what is actually a shoe string budget by comparison with many other similar festivals.
Locals should be proud of the amazing reputation St Kilda Festival continues to uphold after 30 year it is still delivering a premier event. The festival is known nationally/ if not internationally as an event that supports amazing emerging Australian talent and is free so that anyone can get along an experience such an event.
To those who don't want it 'in there back yard' I say - come on - it's one day of the year - it brings an amazing amount of kudos to St Kilda and for what it does, it costs a miniscule amount of ratepayers revenue.
And on the argument that St Kilda is just for St.Kilda residents - you're dreaming - never was - never will be.
Check your history - for over 100 years St Kilda has been known as "Melbourne's playground".
hopeforthefest
9:55am, 16 November 2009
2
1
it's so hard to think of everything i like, its endless! the music, the atmosphere of so much enjoyment, the food. Seeing friends so happy and excited to see different bands on great stages. The comfort of the space- because there is no admission and limiting fences, everyone feels so free to look at everything, hear everyone, go to any stage or show. This fest is just fantastic!!
Thank you so much for the festivals so far... I have hope for the fest, come on people- let's keep it going! Stay proud and share St Kilda!!!!
