The Spilt Milk Festival in Canberra attracted a vibrant crowd on Saturday, as music lovers gathered for a day filled with performances from notable artists, including global rap sensation Kendrick Lamar. The festival, which returned after a cancellation last year, saw attendees from various regions, including international visitors like Ben Packwood from Leicester, England.
Ben Packwood’s journey to the festival was lengthy, taking a significant 21-hour flight to be part of this highly anticipated event. Clad in a Leicester City Football Club jersey, he joined his cousin Calum Harland among the throngs of festival-goers at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
The excitement was palpable as local transport services reported packed light rail cars filled with young fans heading to the venue. Display boards at stations warned of “Large crowds expected,” a testament to the festival’s popularity.
Bright Outfits and Bigger Vibes
The festival attracted a diverse audience, with many attendees traveling from Sydney, where the event’s popularity was particularly high. Despite challenges in securing accommodation due to the influx of visitors, Sydney residents made a bold fashion statement with their festival attire.
Among the attendees, Wendy Amid, Jennifer Spinola, and Elizabeth Ho stood out in a matching group of ten, all donning distinctive yellow duck headbands. “We all wore the yellow duck to identify ourselves in the crowd,” said Ho, highlighting the festival’s spirit of camaraderie.
Some fans, like Akaash Narayan and his friend Jaz, made the trip to Canberra after attending Kendrick Lamar’s concert in Sydney just days before. “The Sydney show was amazing, and we decided to catch the Canberra one, too,” Jaz remarked, emphasizing the festival’s draw for dedicated fans.
Local Flavor and Festival Spirit
A significant portion of the crowd comprised local Canberrans, who embraced the festival atmosphere. Young attendees like Lucca Paijmans made a statement with his milkman hat and all-white attire, declaring, “It’s Spilt Milk, and nothing is more perfect than this.”
Regular festival-goers Jarrod Peace and Kye Beccapelle from Wollongong, known for their playful matching caps, expressed their excitement for the 2025 edition, having attended previous events. The camaraderie and festive spirit were evident, as many attendees shared their unique outfits themed around the event.
As the day progressed, the excitement built for performances from additional big-name artists, including Dominic Fike and Doechii. The festival not only showcased musical talent but also fostered a sense of community among diverse attendees, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of Canberra.
The Spilt Milk Festival continues to solidify its place as a must-attend event in the Australian music scene, bringing together fans from near and far to celebrate their passion for music.
