The Meredith Music Festival has accompanied the announcement of Thursday’s stellar 25-act lineup with a ‘What Not To Bring’ list, the most notable exclusion being offensive clothing and costumes.
Meredith is taking a hard-line stance on any type of “offensive signage, slogans, clothing and costumes”, including popular festival accessory the feathered “Native American” headdress.
The festival cited website Native Appropriations for the decision to outlaw the headdress, which describes the head-wear as promoting the stereotyping of native cultures, cultural appropriation and disregarding the continuing history of genocide and colonialism of Native communities and cultures.
Known for implementing an Australian-first “no dickhead” policy, Meredith Music Festival has followed a decision by Canada’s Bass Coast, which announced a similar policy to festival goers last month.
“We understand why people are attracted to war bonnets,” Bass Coast said in July. “They have a magnificent aesthetic. But their spiritual, cultural and aesthetic significance cannot be separated. Bass Coast Festival takes place on indigenous land and we respect the dignity of aboriginal people.”
“We have consulted with aboriginal people in British Columbia on this issue and we feel our policy aligns with their views and wishes regarding the subject. Their opinion is what matters to us.”
Also banned from Meredith are bean bags, bongos, couches and kegs.
The festival this morning announced a blockbuster lineup featuring The War On Drugs, Augie March, De La Soul and Ty Segall for the three-day, two-night camping event kicking off December 12.
A second round ticket balloting will be issued on Thursday, August 21 with tickets available as a lone $318.80 + $10 booking option.
Image via Native Appropriations
