There are festivals. And then there are experiences.

The Gum Ball returned in 2023 at Dashville in Lower Belford, Wonnarua Australia. Taking place over the weekend of 21st-23rd April, The Gum Ball conjoined weekend camping with live music, cultural displays, workshops, arts and crafts and so much more. Open to all ages, the Bushland festival was privy to both international and local artists, ready to entertain both day trippers and weekend campers amidst the rural landscape.

Nestled in the trees, a blanket of tents, yerts and camper vans led the way to a bustling village which was like a step back in time. Two stages stood over the main Arena, pumping out the psychedelic tunes of Sydney artists Velvet Trip.

Boomchild, a Sydney/Wollongong opened with a cover of Gnarls Barkleys’ ‘Crazy’ before launching into a set that boasted with funk, Rhythm and Blues and Electronic Beats. With the Powerhouse voice of Charbel at the helm, Boomchild commanded the crowd into an atmosphere of d

Turtle Rock followed on with an experiential set which was synonymous with the psychedelic rock scene, or alternatively, ‘Flower doom for the soul.’ The sludgy guitar and spacey lyrics transported all to another planet.

The Chris Cornell Concept delivered a respectful and carefully curated tribute to the late Chris Cornell. Songs from the Soundgarden and Audioslave catalogue included Spoonman, My Wave, Like a Stone, Rusty Cage and Outshined. The audience was as broad as the vocal range of lead singer Kane Starkey, with young Gum Balls and seniors alike grooving away in acceptance to the timeless classics.

The Brisbane based Full Moon Flower Band brought a mix of Blues Rock, with sludgy basslines and the commanding voice of powerful lead vocalist Kate “Babyshakes” Dillon, provided the perfect warmup for the international giants to follow.

Seattle legends Mudhoney delivered an hour plus long set that satiated any 90’s grunge fans desires. The alternative punk rock band punched out an impressive bill to the Gum Ball masses, including ‘I’m Now,’ ‘Paranoid Core,’ ‘21st Century Pharisees’ and ‘One Bad Actor.’ After 35 years in business, Mudhoney proved that time and age doesn’t affect talented musicians, like wine they only improve.

We hadn’t experienced a Gum Ball or a Dashville event before but knowing what we know now, we definitely would of blacked out the calendar to attend the full Three-day program of music. With music of every type of genre, there was something for everyone Friday – grungy, pysc, metal, blues & Rnb. Saturday – Rock, pubrock, altcountry, country, …….. Sunday – rock, blues, altblues , alt and all capped of by the final performance of the day The Gum Ballers, the talented up and comers that had participated in the Musical workshops over the weekend to hone and fine tune their skills.

As we said in the beginning of this review this was an Experience. Great Music, Great People, Great Atmosphere and if were honest the best festival food we have ever tasted.