Big Day Out an orderly affair

SHANE WENZLICK/Fairfax Media

ON REFLECTION: The Big Day Out venue is reflected in a reveller's sunglasses.

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

IN THE SHADE: Finding a way to beat the heat was a priority for many people at Big Day Out.

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

HAPPY DAYS: Revellers enjoy Big Day Out.

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

TRIBAL TONES: Lucy and Kelsey accessorised their outfits with body paint.

BEN CAMPBELL/Fairfax Media

IN A SWEAT: The Boiler Room at Big Day Out 2009.

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How did Big Day Out 2009 measure up against previous years? Reviewer Tracey Bond revisits the highs and the lows.

Big Day Out 2009 was a very ordered affair - there were no massive queues, and just about everyone seemed determined to have a good time.

40,000 people trickled into Mount Smart Stadium from about 10.30am to enjoy some of the 86 acts who played this year.

Bright green mohicans, girls in cosplay outfits, a couple dressed as Flintstones characters - anything went at Big Day Out.

The majority of punters dressed for the weather - meaning as little clothing as possible. Hats were de rigour.

The sun beat down on the crowd and misting tents were again a popular way to get relief from the heat, by mid afternoon there was a welcome, gentle breeze.

St John's ambulance set up sunscreen stations and unlike last year no stalls ran out of water.

The festival food stalls provided hungry party-goers with plenty of choice - from fish and chips and burritos to vegetarian fare and fresh pizza.

The toilets remained in an okay state and no-one had to wait in line too long.

The longest queues of the day were for ID wristbands to purchase alcohol - the 'pen' for drinkers by the main blue and orange stages was bigger this year - and still packed.

There were bag checks to and from LilyWorld (just about the only alcohol friendly stage) and security was quick to descend upon anyone they suspected of drinking alcohol outside of the designated areas - including one girl watching Sneaking Sound System while swigging from a bottle of wine.

Police strolled around the venue but there were few signs of trouble - it was all very polite as officers stopped people for a 'little chat'.

Big Day Out spokesman Paul McKessar said one arrest had been made for a cannabis-related offence.

Pundits had predicted that this year headliner Neil Young would draw an older crowd, and although there was perhaps a slightly bigger sprinkling of grey in the stadium than usual, the average age of festival goers was still mid twenties.

But Neil Young did give a very different atmosphere to the main stage - his set blanketed the stadium in a mellow, soothing vibe, and left satisfied smiles on the faces of all who watched him.

At The Prodigy it was a very different kettle of fish. As people tried desperately to get a better vantage point at the packed tent there was a lot of pushing and shoving, particularly from burly, bare chested guys.

Once the music started any angst was soon replaced by the beat.

BDO 2009 will be remembered as a mild-mannered, well organised festival with something for everyone.

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Joe   #6   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

As much as i really enjoyed Neil Youngs set, of all the Big Day Outs i have been to i have never seen the main stadium so empty for the main act. I am really grateful for the opportunity of seeing Neil Young, but from the prospective of the younger crowd that is drawn to the Big Day Out. They dont know who Neil Young is, nor do they care. And the majority of Neil young fans, like my mother, would go to c Neil Young if only it wasnt at BDO. im sorry, i love the old rocker, but bad choice for a Big Day Out headliner. It would have been better if Neil Young did his solo tour in nz. And have a major drawcard for the majority BDO crowd at BDO. just my opinion, but Neil Young was fantastic.

Apey   #5   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

The Arctic Monkeys lead singer was clearly drunk, which would explain why we could hardly hear him. His comments between songs were so mumbled and quiet - hilarious As usual Prodigy completely cained everything in their wake and although we only stayed for 2 Neil Young songs, he was really impressive. P Money was wicked, Tiki was full on, much more than expected and the other stand out was Zane Lowe doing a DJ set - he was loving being back in NZ and it showed :)

Dan   #4   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

Yeah the sound is always pretty rubbish at festivals aye, but it must be hard on the sound guys having to reset the desk after each band. Sound was awsome in the boiler room though!

Jake   #3   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

The sound is always rubbish at the big day out.

Jason falconer   #2   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

The sound at bdo was rubbish arctic monkeys u couldnt understand what they were singing i wont b going again

mrammaji   #1   05:26 pm Jan 28 2009

"BDO 2009 will be remembered as a mild-mannered, well organised festival with something for everyone" means it was an average event at best. Let's see if Neil Diamond or the Righteous Brothers are coming next year, probably Paul McCartney as a main act. I honestly think I lost my money. I am going to see Iron Maiden and already I know it is cheaper and will be greater than this Big Hype Out event

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