"The main thing I want to get out of tonight for the bands is just have fun and do what we want to do, which is just come out here where there's no electricity, get some generators going and have a party," Michael says.
"It'd be lovely if we could get a bit of money out of it, but that's not what we're here for. As long as we cover our costs and enjoy ourselves, that's what it's about," he says. "Our current government's pretty terrible when it comes to being really supportive of live events. We've got so many talented artists within our country who could play shows and it's a great thing for young people to be able to go to those shows," Michael says.
As new arrivals queue to exchange cash and have their wrists stamped, they're asked to present identification to ensure the event stays 18-plus. Michael says tonight is adults-only to ensure the safety of patrons, even if that means protecting them from themselves. Being a safe space is also a priority, Michael tells me, emphasising events like this live and die on the safety and satisfaction of its supporters.
We will soon need a permit to walk on the streets, do I have the right shoes, a reflective vest, do I know where I'm going, I guess a picnic in the park will need an environmental study. Next time I see the Baptists down at our local river I'm calling the cops, no permit no dunk