Splore 2012

Overview

Splore. There are few words in English language that are met with the same enthusiasm as the name of this biennial extravaganza. It's 'a meeting of the hoi polloi in paradise' I'm told, a 'circus for the soul!' someone else said and a self professed 'going good session'. So on the eve of my first Splore experience, naturally I'm pretty darn excited.

Initially this was supposed to be a preview of the musical heavy weights and have-to-see's at this year's event, but as tales of past campaigners come out it's clear that this festival is as much about on-stage performances as it is about off-stage antics.

With this in mind here is a list of things I've been told not to miss out on at Splore 2012. Make yourself a to-do list and get ready for (what I imagine to be) one of the best festivals out there:

Become a citizen of the Island of Hoohaa: The inspiration for this year's event is The Island of Hoohaa. So dress-up in theme and let your inner extrovert come out…

Musica/Stage/Workshops: So much to say about so many artists but here are list of the absolute essentials Erykah Badu (of course), Hudson Mohawke, The Cuban Brothers, The Nukes, Stinky Jim, The Yellow Pants Man Dance Workshop, In Flagrante (contains nudity oooh lala) and Bitches Box.

Art Trail: Do it. 'Nough said.

Pre-cycle: Splore is determined to leave the Tapapakanga Regional Park exactly as it's found. So with that in mind, try Pre-cycling on for size: remove your food from it's bulky packaging and put it into recyclable containers you can take home with you!

Fall in Love: You can get married at Splore. Yep you can tie the knot in the purpose built chapel. My girlfriend has just suggested that we do it. I'm going to call her bluff… but I digress. By all accounts Splore is a destination for love – new love, old love, free love, platonic love and of course making love. Get into it or someone, but be safe.

Splore only happens every two years, so think twice before you skip it. It's one not to be missed.

More details at www.splore.net. Photo courtesy of Miss Ren.