Playground Weekender 2009 lineup featured photo gallery

Returning for its third year in 2009, the fabulous Playground Weekender is the festival-of-choice for those in the know. Set in the luxurious surrounds of Del Rio Riverside Resort on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, the three-day fiesta is a world all of its own. The 2008 event claimed the crown for ‘Best Crowd/Atmosphere’ in the inaugural punter-voted Festival Awards – ironclad proof of its unique charms. Anticipation has been steadily mounting for next year’s line-up, with ITM’s exclusive scoop in October that The Streets, Nic Fanciulli, Ashley Beedle and Jimpster will all be making the pilgrimage. So without further ado, here’s the cast of characters set to make 2009 the biggest year yet…

After nine years of waiting, the indomitable Primal Scream will return to Australia to headline the Weekender. Earning their legend status with 1991 album Screamadelica, the British rave-rockers have continued to build a formidable repertoire, culminating in this year’s Beautiful Future. A balmy summer night, stars overhead, Primal Scream on the mainstage…’epic’ would be the word. Hyperactive Toronto duo Crystal Castles will be bringing their messed-up electro and pop hooks to Del Rio. With frontlady Alice Glass topping NME’s ‘Cool List’ for her off-kilter stage antics, this will be quite a performance.

Playground hasn’t dropped the ball in the DJ department, either. Both Tom Middleton and Norman Jay are returning after storming appearances in 2008, accompanied by a stellar bunch of debutants. ‘Deep’ is the magic word – with UK veterans Soul II Soul Sound System, Norweigan disco dude Todd Terje and the thinking man of house Ewan Pearson. Very much a part of the Australian festival furniture, Whomadewho are heading back to Playground after a standout set in 2007. The invite has also been extended to California’s Cold War Kids, Kiwi collective Salmonella Dub, Melbourne’s Blue King Brown (filled out to an 11-piece band for the festival), Grafton Primary, Paper Scissors, Pomomofo, TZU, D.I.G (Directions in Groove) and more.

In addition to all the musical splendour, Del Rio Resort boasts a 9-hole golf course for camping, swimming pool, beer garden, cinema and other creature comforts. You won’t want to go home.

Playground Weekender 2009 lineup featured photo gallery

Primal Scream
The Streets
Cold War Kids
Crystal Castles
Blue King Brown
Salmonella Dub
Soul II Soul Sound System
Grafton Primary
Nic Fanciulli
Ashley Beedle
Norman Jay
Whomadewho
TZU
D.I.G (Directions in Groove)
Ewan Pearson
Todd Terje
Tom Middleton
Jimpster
Paper Scissors
Mark De Clive-Lowe
Pomomofo
Wow
Russ Dewbury

Playground Weekender
Del Rio Riverside Resort, Wiseman’s Ferry
Friday 6, Saturday 7, Sunday 9 February

Playground Weekender 2009 lineup featured photo gallery