The first ‘Secret Garden Party’ took place in 2004, with only one thousand people in attendance. The area consisted of a few hand-built bars, one stage and was originally set up by four friends who wanted to bring joy through music to the attendees.
The next year, the number of people who attended the event tripled to three thousand. The event began to become talked about for its relaxed atmosphere, with its beautiful gardens, picturesque lake and friendly people. At the festival, people felt free, and took part in various strange activites. As the years have progressed, the festival has grown, and each year various themes are implemented; for example, at the Secret Garden Party of 2007, attendees celebrated the ‘past, present and future,’ creating the “Come the Revolutions” theme. At this event, an individual can transform into whomever they wish, experiencing true freedom for a couple of days.
At the festival, there are various stages and arenas available for the public to enjoy; The Great Stage and The Wild Things stages are two of the large stages at the festival, whereas the Valley of Antics is a sort-of ‘mini festival’ where guests can dance and eat. The Secret Garden Party is also well known for its somewhat controversial Suicide Sports. Various ‘sporting’ events are set up for guests to partake in, such as mud wrestling, human gladiators, eat yourself to death and bridge of death. Although the name may be misleading, guests are not actually playing death-defying games, they are more absurd than dangerous; for example, the cheeky relay sees contestants running with various fruits and vegetables clenched in their buttocks, which they must pass on to others.
For those who wish to experience the hilarity and absurdity of the Secret Garden Party, tickets can be purchased through the organisation’s website, or through the multitude of online ticketing services. Previous guests at this event will all agree that a wonderful, hilarious, yet somewhat strange experience was had. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance in order to prevent missing out on the fun of the Secret Garden Party. Check on the organisation’s website for a line-up and event details.