Splendour is back! The weather, in stark contrast to last year, is absolutely stunning, and the festival is out to not only make amends, but create an unforgettable life experience.
Welcoming incoming patrons, this year's iconic inflatable is a giant Tupac-man, with Tupac's arms and a Pac-Man head. The festival buzzes with activities (21 July), including the dance ground, panels and discussion in the Forum, and laughs in the comedy club.Skegss get things rolling in an emotional farewell to bassist Toby Cregan, who joins the crowd at the barricade singing their final song. Jack River is magical in a ballgown, inviting Tony Armstrong for her set, while Ruel stuns in a smart suit, showcasing his solid vocals. He is a premium Australian export.
Skegss' Toby Cregan - image © Jared Hinz
As night falls at GW McLennan, Cub Sport get sentimental with a cover of Billie Eilish's 'When The Party's Over', and the tent is bursting with voices. Tim Nelson's sweet, soft falsetto is soothing, and the crowd is well in the swing of things.
'Sometimes' proves a crowd favourite, before 'Come On Mess Me Up' has everyone whipping their phones out, capping the set with onstage fireworks. Splendour are pulling out all the stops this year.
The many bars are thriving with energy, with the Stone & Wood bar sporting a large firepit, proving a welcome attraction in the nippy evening weather.
Ruel - image © Jared Hinz
Ocean Alley has a packed Amphitheatre pulsing. Meg Mac makes a cameo for 'Partner In Crime', which morphs into 'Someone You Loved' in a touching gesture to Lewis Capaldi. Mac's vocals pierce the air in the unique way only she can. Tomorrow's performance will be special.
For 'Confidence', frontman Baden Donegal brings out his very small baby, appropriately wearing very cute earmuffs. The lights pulse red and blue, and flames shoot from the stage. Ocean Alley are a class act, and a solid Splendour favourite. Their 'Baby Come Back' cover is smooth and drips down to the soul, warming you from the inside out. A fitting guitar solo closes the stunning set.
The World Stage is conveniently located between GW McLennan and the Amphitheatre stages this year, showcasing fresh acts. Dobby has many stopping to jive to his frenetic rap. It's truly impressive. His rap about the injustice of deaths in custody hits powerfully home.
Palace are warm and touching underneath the stunning red curtains of GW McLennan. "This is a very special moment for us," frontman Leo Wyndham shares.
Hooligan Hefs - image © Jared Hinz
Hooligan Hefs has a packed to the brim Mix Up absolutely thumping. 'Riot' sets the perfect tone of the dark, sweaty nightclub of a night you won't forget. 'No Effect' proves a memorable gem, while he does a shoey, then he has the crowd begging for 'Send It'.
FOURA keeps the nightclub mood pulsing between sets, sporting a shiny red coat and body shaking beats that make it hard to leave. The Rainbow Bar has the house vibe and stays packed throughout the night.
Back to the Amphitheatre where J Balvin brings the crowd to the most amped they've been all night. 'I Like It' starts the party, before his rap over Lil Jon's 'Yeah' sends it to outer space. Balvin's rap over 'Rhythm Of The Night' makes you feel like you're in the best place in the whole world right now.
His eight backing dancers keep the energy high, as they dance in front of a giant inflatable army tank. The song double times and the crowd absolutely erupts.
J Balvin - image © Jared Hinz
Time for a food break, and the VIP Bar's culinary options include Mary's Burgers and Daughter In Law's curries, a welcome treat for the taste buds. Then Ball Park Music stun at GW, while Danny Brown has the Mix Up jumping.
However, it's time for the showcase Lizzo! The set commences with a written monologue about love in its many forms, climaxing with a note that self-love is the most important of all.
Lizzo comes out donned in a black and pink leather lace-up pantsuit complete with tassels. 'Juice' primes the crowd, before '2 Be Loved' ignites. We're in for a special set.
Our favourite body positivity icon is sleek and energetic, stunning with beautiful high notes before a sax solo bursts out. "Hello Splendour! I am Lizzo, or Lizzorrr as you call me," she says. "Say g'day to my band, and get ready to SHAKE YO ASS!"
Lizzo - image © Jared Hinz
She then asks: "When was the last time you said something positive about yourself?" "Never," some crowd members respond. "Well that's about to change," Lizzo says for 'Soulmate'.
"Say hi to the big girls," as she introduces her backing dancers, who each perform a dance solo, as Lizzo undergoes her first costume change into a balaclava and torn tracksuit pants. A frenetic guitar solo follows 'Boys', showcasing the talents of her all-female band.
A voicemail from Missy Elliot plays, in which she spruiks Lizzo's stamina and many talents, which are certainly on show tonight.
Time for a third costume, as she wears a pink and gold dress for 'Jerome'. Phone lights stream out across the Amphitheatre, and you remember how good festivals can be. 'Special' is a beautiful and touching moment, before the band perform truly incredible jazz solos. They are up there with the best bands in the world.
Lizzo covers Coldplay's 'Yellow', a spectacular festival moment, and just when it can't get better, she plays a seamless flute solo. Did I mention another costume change happened? This time into a gold dress and snowshoes.
Lizzo - image © Jared Hinz
The flute solo intros 'Truth Hurts', which propels the crowd into an ecstatic mood. "Why men great 'til they gotta be great?" always hits home.
Lizzo notices a fan's sign saying she's following her around Australia, and checks off Byron for her and signs it. Another fan asks her to sign her ass to get it tattooed. Lizzo obliges, a full ass is flashed and hilarity ensues.
Back to the music, 'I Love You Bitch' and 'Good As Hell' are all warm and fuzzy, before 'About Damn Time' closes a wonderful, fun and intimate set.
Lizzo is a world-class act, and her enjoyment of performance and crowd interaction is evident in every moment. She is truly present at all times.
A brilliantly seamless day. If Day One is anything to go by, this will go down as one of the all-time great Splendours.
More photos from Day One.
