Author: SIENNA PAGE

As the 2023 edition of our favourite all-ages festival, Groovin’ the Moo (more commonly known as GTM), approaches, many of you will be attending for the first time and as a seasoned festival veteran myself, I’m here to give you some advice on not only how to survive, but how to thrive. 

If this is your first time hearing about it and you are keen on going, follow this link to grab your tickets; https://www.gtm.net.au/. 

First off, some key details. This years GTM will be held on Sunday the 23rd of April, which is the day before the first day of Week 1 of Term 2. The festival is held at EPiC (Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham) and will feature acts like Amy Shark, Ball Park Music, Ocean Alley, Omar Apollo, local band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and so many more (see the whole line up below). 

Getting There

EPiC is in a very central location which is quite helpful, but let’s face it, not many people live within walking distance so here marks the question of how do you get there. If you have a friend that lives within walking distance, organise to meet up at their place (maybe even get ready there as well) and then walk together to the festival as a group, this means your parents can avoid the hectic traffic of hundreds of people getting dropped off at once. If you don’t have a friend that lives nearby, you can get dropped off at a close location that is to easy to find and walk in or get dropped in the city/Mitchell and catch the tram to EPiC as it is directly on the train line, be careful though as the trams can get quite busy. 

Although we don’t know the set times yet, often the first acts will start around 11 am. You don’t need to get there at that time though, simply show up around the time of the first act you want to see, I recommend 10-20 minutes before their set so you can get your bearings and get a good spot in the crowd, although often the earlier crowds aren’t as big. For example, if the first artist you want to see on stage is at 12:40 pm, I would get there around 12:20-12:30. 

Outfit

GTM is quite a long affair and when it comes to what you’re wearing, your outfit can truly make or break your experience. Too practical and you won’t like the photos, too out there and you won’t be comfortable. Make sure your outfit sits right in between those two, cute enough to get some good photos out of it but practical enough to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the whole day. Everybody’s version of comfortable will differ but I recommend that you try to find something with pockets and wear a top that allows you to move freely and keeps you feeling secure without any chaffing or digging in. 

Shoes are the most important aspect of your outfit when it comes to being comfortable. Thinking of wearing that newish pair of Doc Martens because you know they would look really good with your outfit? Don’t. For the sake of your poor feet and all your friends having to hear you complain, please do now wear any new or newish shoes that you know will make your feet hurt or give you blisters. When it comes to what to wear, obviously a form of sneakers is your best option, further, try to use a pair that are leather because the ground can get very dirty and muddy and leather is much easier to clean. Although some may consider AirForce 1’s basic, they are an amazing option as well as any other shoe that is similar. This means also avoid any form of sandals (they can get uncomfortable and people may step on your toes) and of course, nothing with a heel, you want to be able to last more than 2 hours.

Essentials

I highly recommend that you bring a bag with you to keep all your essentials. A fanny pack is a great option, but crossbody bags also work amazingly. Personally, I would avoid a backpack just for the chance of getting anything stolen and it can also take up unnecessary space in the crowds and annoy others. Additionally, you need to make sure that your bag is the size of or smaller than an A4 sheet of paper, so most backpacks won’t work.

Things to pack: 

• Sunscreen (you will be outside for a while and we all know the Australian sun is quite harsh)
• Sunglasses (they will save your eyes and also they can look very good)
• Hat (if you’re a bit more conscious about getting burnt or want the extra shade it will be super helpful)
• ID (driver’s license or student ID will suffice, make sure you don’t lose it though!) 
• Hair ties (you might get hot and sweaty or feel like your hair is getting in the way)
• Hand sanitiser (you will be using portapotties, after hundreds of people using them they can get quite gronky)
• Pads and tampons (even if it’s not for you, it’s always nice to have some for a friend)
• Tissues (you might get a sniffly nose or need the tissues for a plethora of other reasons)
• Portable charger (your phone will almost 100% die or need to be put on low power mode so to avoid all the anxiety of a dead phone, just buy one – even if its cheap, just needs to get you through the day)
• Plastic/silicon drink bottle (something with a clip that can be easily folded down is ideal, there are heaps of water stations to refill it and it makes it so you don’t have to keep going back )

Even if you don’t have space for all the things, split them up between your friends so as a group you’re prepared.

Food

If you’re the kind of person to have a light breakfast or just a coffee, GTM is not the day to do so. You need food to sustain you until  late into the night so having a healthy, filling and yummy breakfast will be essential. Depending on the time you want to get there, you can have lunch at home or buy it at the festival. Remember, you can bring your own food in so if you have any specific dietary requirements or want to save some money (the food inside can be quite expensive, especially for a teenager) bring a lunchbox with meals and snacks. When it comes to dinner, you will be in the festival in the full swing of things and you can’t exit the grounds to grab a snack and come back so either bring your food or enjoy one of their many food trucks. Most of the food at the festival tends to be quite unhealthy so if you think you might want a snack that provides more nutrients, feel free to bring an apple and a muesli bar to keep you going. 

No drinks are allowed to be taken into the festival (except empty plastic/silicone water bottles) and will be taken from you at the gates if you have any. There are many other drink options inside so don’t get too upset if you get a drink taken from you. 

Merchandise

With the amazing line up there’s a good chance that you might want to grab some artist merchandise or GTM merchandise. If you want to do so, make sure you think about the transport of the merch, if you want to buy it early, think about renting a locker to keep it safe (normally costs around $10), to make it cheaper you can split these between your friends and all share it. You could also bring a tote if you want to save money but the bag might get quite annoying throughout the day. If you want to wait till the end of the night, be aware that limited sizes will remain and it might be very busy.

Getting Home

The festival will officially end around 12/12:30 but if you need to get home earlier or aren’t interested in the later acts, you can leave at any time. Getting home is much similar to getting there but you have to be extra vigilant because it is dark and potentially more unsafe. To get picked up at the actual venue might be very busy and take a while so if you can organise a meeting place, make sure you get there safely and please don’t walk alone at night. If you have any older siblings or family friends that can help you get home, please meet with them before leaving the grounds and use them to help you get home. The trams are a great option but will be packed so it might be too much especially if you’ve just gone from the crowds of the mosh.

Other Advice

Remember if you or a friend is feeling unwell or injured at any time of the day, there is a medical tent so make sure when you first arrive you get acquainted with its location. Don’t wait till it’s too late, the second you start to feel unwell, get a friend to help you over, it becomes really hard to get there when you’re in the middle of a massive crowd. 

Although alcohol is being sold at the festival for over 18s, many of you won’t be old enough to purchase it so it’s an alcohol free event, that includes bringing it in. No matter if you are over age or under age, it will get taken away, in order to keep you safe please don’t drink,you will still have an amazing time and there will be no worries. 

Any form of drugs are not allowed into the venue and will get taken away at the front gate. If anyone offers you alcohol or drugs inside the festival, do not take them, not only are they not good for you but they could be spiked and you could end up in a really bad situation. Avoid them at all costs. 

Look after yourself and others, GTM is a really fun day but will only be that way if you stay safe and come prepared. Make the most of the one music festival you can go to that actually comes to Canberra!