I arrive to North Stradbroke Island early on Thursday with sleep still in my eyes to a gorgeous morning just post sunrise.
The festival itself is still in its fledgling state, and I alternate between exploring the seaside and watching the little pieces of the festival fall into place.
There is something so magically nostalgic about Island Vibe, coming to shorelines you know from childhood holidays and listening to reggae while you relax on the beach. When you enter the festival from the beach, you’re greeted by the warm inviting Chai-n-Vibes tent, which featured a really varied mix of talented artists of all forms over the weekend.
Image © @josaphinecubis
On Friday, there is an almost three-hour incredibly funky experimental jam set by newcomers to the scene, Vaggaphonics.
While the rest of the weekend offers you anything from poets breakfast, hosted by poet duo Faux Mo, where poets from the audience exchange their words for shots of absinthe at 9am; illustrative and interactive storytelling by World Story Waters; to the enchanting Freestyle Mafia, who have us bopping along to the flow from their minds while the crew sling chai and good vibes, just as the name promises.
A big part of Island Vibe’s atmosphere is the stallholders: chefs, crafters, artists, healers and jewellers who bring their unique and interesting food and handiwork for us to peruse.
Of all the festivals I’ve attended, Island Vibe is almost second to none for its attention to detail in the collective offerings of their stalls and spaces.
From handcrafted stone and metal-work jewellery, to a dedicated healing space featuring multi-disciplinary massage therapists, to Extinction Rebellion’s ‘Zine Library’, there truly is an experience available for every kind of attendee that isn’t focused purely on the musical acts available.
Vaggaphonics - image © @josaphinecubis
The musical acts, however, are a seamlessly blended selection of some of the best local and international reggae and bass music acts. Friday evening on the Bamboo Bass stage features local drum & bass legends BustaFlux as well as Duos and Doe in a three-hour session of raw talent, moving from dynamic, danceable bass music into sultry jungle beats.
I also check out headliner Opiuo on main stage, whose funky electronica is enhanced by his energy as a performer, hyping the crowd into a thronging, grooving mass.
After the festival closes, we are ushered out into the streets or beaches, either to find our campsites and sleep or to search for a kick-on party to entertain us through the early hours of morning.
On Saturday I catch DOV1, whose half-time and high-hats absolutely pumps up the crowd to a wicked Mood Swing & Chevy Bass set, shaking subwoofers, hips and the tassels on their signature flamboyant jackets.
Sunday takes it a little easier, with live-looping extraordinaire B-Syde a highlight of the afternoon, moving into dubs and wubs for our worn-out brains and bodies in the evening. Headliner and international legend of dub reggae Mad Professor is an artful experience of experimental bass music that sees out my evening nicely.
Through the weekend, the festival around me seems to fall into flow. See an act, have a swim, dry off under the sun to the music radiating to the beach from main stage, grab a drink, a bite to eat, see an act – the pacing of Island Vibe is incomparably relaxing.
You don’t see every act, but it never feels like you need to or you’re missing out; you’re guaranteed to see something fun and fascinating regardless.
