The organisers of The Lost Paradise music festival are facing a significant backlash on social media after revealing that attendees will be charged $5 per shower at this year's event, despite general admission tickets costing as much as $500.
Festival Details and Pricing Controversy
The multi-day festival is scheduled to run from December 28 at Glenworth Valley on the NSW Central Coast. Thousands of festivalgoers are expected to camp on-site for up to five days. While general admission tickets, priced between $400 and $500 and already sold out, include camping access, they no longer guarantee free use of shower facilities.
Instead, the festival confirmed that only those who have purchased upgraded ticket packages will have showers included. All other attendees will be required to pay a $5 'sustainability' fee each time they wish to wash. Organisers explained the move in a social media post, stating that all toilets, showers, and water are transported to the remote valley site.
Social Media Erupts in Anger
The announcement, described as an unprecedented change from last year's event, quickly infuriated fans. The festival's followers took to platforms to voice their strong disapproval and disbelief.
"Does our million dollar ticket not include a f***ing shower?" one person commented sarcastically. Another added, "I love this festival but charging for basic hygienic amenities is pretty disgraceful." The criticism was widespread, with others making jokes about having to pay for oxygen or planning excessively long showers to get their money's worth.
A Divided Response and Festival Line-Up
However, not all responses were negative. Some argued that the fee could lead to better-managed facilities. "If it means the showers are staffed and kept clean the whole time, that's good," one supporter wrote, contrasting it with the often poor state of free festival showers.
The festival, running for over a decade, has a notable line-up this year, including iconic British house band Underworld and headliner Chris Stussy. Other performing artists include X Club, I Hate Models, and Duke Dumont. The event has previously hosted world-famous acts like Tinashe, DJ Fisher, and Caribou.
With the controversy now public, all eyes will be on how the festival manages the implementation of this new charge and whether the promised benefits of cleaner, staffed facilities will materialise to justify the extra cost to attendees.
