The 15th anniversary of Strawberry Fields festival brought together 14,000 people for three days on the banks of the Murray River, in the heart of Yorta Yorta country.
From Friday, November 15 to Sunday, November 17, the festival featured a mix of 84 international and local artists, spanning genres from electronic and indie to experimental and world music.
Attendees were treated to performances from acts from all parts of the globe, as well as showcasing home-grown talent that demonstrated the vibrancy and creativity of Australia’s arts scene.
But Strawberry Fields is more than just a festival — it’s an immersive experience. Over the course of three days, festival goers were able to explore an array of art, performance, workshops and wellness activities designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit.
From visual art installations to dynamic dance and theatre performances, the festival was a celebration of artistic expression in all its forms.
This year’s milestone anniversary also provided a powerful opportunity to reflect on and celebrate Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage.
The festival paid tribute to the Yorta Yorta people, the traditional custodians of the land, with a range of cultural programs and experiences aimed at deepening attendees’ connection to Country and the ongoing traditions of the region’s First Nations peoples.
These cultural initiatives, including traditional storytelling and performances, highlighted the vital role Indigenous communities play in shaping Australia’s creative landscape.
Beyond the music and arts, the festival had a significant impact on the local community. With 14,000 attendees converging on Tocumwal, the event provided a boost to the local economy.
The festival also continued to lead the way with its sustainability practices, diverting over 140,000 single-use plastics away from landfill through its reusable crockery system and all patron and artists’ travel to the festival being offset through Treecreds.
The festival’s organisers were grateful for the unwavering support of the local community, attendees and artists who helped make this milestone year a success.
With a track record of innovation, inclusivity and artistic excellence, Strawberry Fields is poised to deliver even bigger and more exciting experiences in the years to come.
“We’re so proud to have celebrated 15 years of Strawberry Fields, and we can’t wait to come back in 2025,” festival director Tara Benney said.
“This year’s festival was a testament to the power of music and culture to bring people together and create lasting memories.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Yorta Yorta people, talented artists and the town of Tocumwal for making this milestone anniversary one to remember.