It’s time for Groovin’ the Moo, and Canberra is lucky to be a part of the event that is touring regional cities that are just as hungry for great music as the capitals. The cows are coming home and they are bringing some pretty fine musicians so grab your friends and the essentials and get over to the University of Canberra campus for an amazing Sunday.
The most essential item for GTM is a backpack, a shoulder bag or any kind of carrying receptacle you prefer, and use it to manage layers of warm clothing. It’s autumn in Canberra, don’t be fooled and don’t be optimistic, bring a warm jacket at the very least; when the evening hits you’ll be glad you brought the scarf too.
You’ve got a long day ahead, but lucky for you there is a cloakroom so you don’t have to carry all of your stuff around the whole time. If you stash it away remember to grab it before the cold catches up to you (and before the hoards of people simultaneously get the same idea and turn their attention in that direction).
Still, at the beginning of the day and around midday it could be hot. Sunscreen will save you from the following days being remembered as swollen and red and, perhaps, peeling. Keep light layers under that big jacket.
Next… Footwear. On your feet there should not be any sort of sandal or thongs, there should be shoes that cover your feet and that are, preferably, waterproof. This is important because what the spiel on the website will not tell you – in its rapturous description of the oasis that is UC’s oval – is it’s vast potential to become a swamp, especially down the sides.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to find your friends as the whole event is a circle with many vantage points, but print off the program, it is easy to read and will help with those hard decisions of which band to see and when to regroup when you split up.
Add a water bottle and make sure it is empty or sealed so there is no confusion at the gate where an attendant will search through your bag as a matter of course. Keep hydrated.
There is information and volunteers dedicated to giving it to you, if at any point you’re in doubt over where to find things like food, the cloakroom or the bathroom.
Top layer of the bag: fill it up, and bring everything you think you might barely need because there are no pass outs. Think of this as a short holiday far away from home; better to be prepared. What else will you need? Money of course – cash – and a fully charged phone. Maybe a bus pass, lip balm… perhaps some hand sanitiser and enough bravery to use the port-a-loos!
Most importantly, have a great time at Groovin’ the Moo. Take care of each other!
