Alive Garden Party Is the Latest Outdoor Gig Series That's Getting a Symphony Orchestra to Play Dance Hits 

A soundtrack of wall-to-wall floor-filler classics will echo across Australia this autumn, featuring tunes by Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, The Chemical Brothers and Groove Armada — but not exactly as you know them. Joining the dance-meets-symphony trend is the just-announced Alive Garden Party, which has enlisted the UK's Club Symphony to head Down Under to give the country another event in the style of Synthony and Ministry of Sound Classical.

The setup: having a symphony orchestra play tracks normally known for getting clubs pumping, not concert halls. The concept isn't new; however, it is popular. Australia's latest instance is heading to outdoor venues, including some wineries — taking queues from A Day on the Green and Grapevine Gathering as well.

Songs by Faithless, Swedish House Mafia and Eric Prydz will also feature when Alive Garden Party debuts in South Australia at the end of March, then tours to Moss Vale Showgrounds in New South Wales' Southern Highlands, Swan Valley's Oakover Grounds in Western Australia, the Gold Coast in Queensland and Rochford Wines in Yarra Valley in Victoria.

The lineup will expand as well, beyond the Steve Anderson-, Dave Seaman- and Cliff Masterson-led Club Symphony, including vocalists.

Attendees aren't just in for a treat for the ears, but also for the eyes and tastebuds. With the latter, the focus will be on gourmet local produce that you can enjoy while picnicking the afternoon away — plus drinks, of course — before getting dancing beneath the stars when night hits. Bringing your own blanket to sprawl out on is encouraged, as is relaxing on the grass.

If you'd like the VIP experience, it includes express entry, premium viewing and a bar with an expanded range.

Daniel Hildebrand

"This will be a visual and audible show that leaves audiences elated," said Jaylee Osborne on behalf of Alive Garden Party's organisers.

"Alive Garden Party was born because music festivals aren't for everyone and concerts sometimes don't quite hit the spot. So we created a highly bespoke, beautiful and comfortable experience for every concertgoer."

Perry McLaughlan

Daniel Hildebrand

ALIVE GARDEN PARTY 2024 DATES:

Saturday, March 30 — TBC, Adelaide, South Australia
Sunday, March 31 — Moss Vale Showgrounds, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Saturday, April 6 — Oakover Grounds, Swan Valley, Western Australia
Saturday, April 13 — TBC, Gold Coast, Queensland
Saturday, April 20 — Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, Victoria

Alive Garden Party will tour Australia in March and April 2024, with tickets on-sale now — head to the event website for further details.