SYN Takes Ability Fest (part one)

(Header image taken at Ability Fest 2024)

From the moment we stepped foot into Ability Fest, it was clear that this was an event like no other.

2024 marked my first year ever attending Ability Fest at the gorgeous Alexandra Gardens in Naarm. The day left me thinking… WHY haven’t I come sooner?!

It was as if even the weather knew of this day's significance to the Australian music industry, as the previous day's rain had disappeared, leaving only blue skies and good vibes. 

Everything was fantastic from the lineup, set up, staff, weather and VIBES! It’s incredible to see The Dylan Alcott Foundation paving the way for what accessibility should look like at all live events, not just Ability Fest.

The SYN team was all in agreeance, that the atmosphere of the festival was unsurpassed, with smiling faces coming from every angle, as people made their way between stages and exploring the festivals many experiences, which included a glitter bar and friendship bracelet making (which we soon learned was not our specialty!!).

My favourite sets of the day were King Stingray and Bag Raiders because I hadn’t seen either of them before (shocking, I know). Both sets were so warm, inviting and bucket loads of fun! It was also an honour to be able to interview Boone, Tim from Cub Sport and the whole Ocean Alley crew.

The live sets did not disappoint, from dancing our hearts out to Bag Raiders, to being in absolute awe of the goddess that is Kita Alexander, to Ocean Alley delivering a classic set, excelling and moving the crowd to the max. It was such an honor to be involved in such an incredible day, and to be able to support the outstanding movement that is Ability Fest!  

I want to give a massive thank you to SYN and Untitled Group for providing such an exciting opportunity for young people, like myself, to get involved in.

*Alternating font represents alternating authors. Paragraphs 1,3,5 and 7 are Scarlett Anderson and 2,4,6,8 are Amy Wooller.