The Plot music festival encompasses community in every sense — the people, the vibe and, importantly, the space.
Until recently music festivals for young Australians were tethered to the inner-city, but no longer.
Many of the 29 festival acts — singers, rappers, bands and performers — have a personal connection with greater western Sydney.
"The thing that jumped out to me was the vibe of the community and embracing all of what it has to offer," L-Fresh the Lion said about the first time he heard of the festival. "It'll be amazing. It'll bring together people from all walks of life."
The rapper was born in Campbelltown but like hip-hop artist B Wise — formerly of Liverpool — he said western Sydney was where they built their careers and musicianship.
The festival has an intense focus on the concept of community, event producer Kathyrn Holloway said, where many of the food and beverages will be locally sourced.
B Wise said he wished festivals like The Plot existed when he was growing up. "Hopefully, this will inspire local artists to keep pushing and for other festival bookers, venues and local businesses to support them a lot more," he said.
Much like western Sydney there will be a mix of different sounds and styles.
Though the west produces talented hip-hop, The Plot is attracting performers from outside the community who will bring indie rock and pop — such as Safia and Asta — as well as electronic dance music groups like Art vs Science.
"This is very different from the festivals in Sydney," said Art vs Science singer Dan Mac, of Dural. He said festivals outside the city would have a ripple effect and decentralise the city party scene.
"The city's too crowded. If people realise there's more space out west it'd encourage venues to care for their artists."
The festival will have three stages across Parramatta, including Parramatta Park and Old Government House. The line-up includes Urthboy, The Griswolds, Safia, Tkay Maidza, The Meeting Tree and Andy Garvey.
Details: December 5, theplot.co.
