.

.

WILDLANDS
@ Brisbane Showgrounds,
Brisbane,
1st January 2026

Review and photos by Victoria Love-Rainbow (@victorialoverainbow)

.

KID CUDI / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

The start of 2026 was marked by an unforgettable event as Wildlands delivered an electrifying celebration at the Brisbane Showgrounds on January 1st, 2026. As the fierce Queensland summer blazed on, only the most daring festivalgoers embraced the intense heat, turning up in droves to experience the full force of the occasion. Wildlands truly set the tone for the new year, providing a spectacular and fiery start for all those bold enough to join in. Rest assured, welfare was paramount with the Red Frogs out in full force, offering treats, sunscreen, and a watchful eye—something other festivals should consider.

The festival featured three distinct stages—Sahara, Summit, and The Wilds—each offering a unique musical experience that catered to a variety of tastes. With an impressive lineup of over 25 acts, attendees were treated to a nonstop flow of performances throughout the event. Notably, The Wilds stage stood out with its seamless rotation of talented DJs, ensuring the energy and excitement never waned. Positioned close to the main stage, Sahara, it allowed for easy movement back and forth between sets. The carefully curated schedule left hardly a pause in the action, keeping festivalgoers fully immersed in the vibrant atmosphere from start to finish. Spreading myself quite thin over the day – I was absolutely impressed by the gender equality – many more female performers than what I have observed at other festivals – surprisingly not uncommon in the music industry.

.

070 Shake / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

The Wilds stage brought a distinctly underground rave vibe to the festival, with its unique setup featuring performers elevated behind bars. This arrangement provided an edgy, intimate atmosphere that made it a prime spot for festivalgoers looking for something different between the main sets. Thanks to its proximity to the main Sahara stage, attendees could easily drift over to catch performances during breaks, making The Wilds a perfect destination for those seeking continuous energy.

Throughout the day, the tempo remained high as a series of talented DJs and performers kept the crowd moving. Justice, Mowgli May, Mincy, Waxx Off, SOTA and Sim0ne all delivered engaging sets, with Mowgli May frequently stepping in between Sahara acts—her vibrant pink hair a striking presence in the crowd. Of all the performers, Sim0ne stood out as a true highlight. Her calm demeanor and strong connection with the audience made her performance feel almost otherworldly, captivating those in attendance and leaving a memorable impression. The Wilds stage proved to be a spot worth revisiting, offering a unique and compelling experience throughout the event.

.

Balu Brigada / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

A little farther from the main action, the Summit stage catered to larger crowds and offered shelter from the blazing sun—though the atmosphere inside was reminiscent of a sweatbox thanks to the enthusiastic audience. Early in the day, attendees were treated to performances by WILL K, Willo, Teed, and Channel Tres. Whilst these acts didn’t initially receive widespread visibility, those present were rewarded with outstanding sets.

Channel Tres delivered a show that was impossible to ignore. With support dancers and a commanding stage presence, his performance brought an unexpected twist to the lineup—provoking both excitement and a sense of discomfort that made it impossible to look away. For anyone seeking entertainment that broke the mold, Channel Tres offered a refreshing and unique flavor. As the day progressed, the Summit stage became increasingly packed, solidifying its status as one of the festival’s main attractions.

As festivalgoers moved between stages, the Sahara stage stood out by delivering a seamless and eclectic opening. The festivities began with Walta, whose unique blend of indie rock and alternative music set an engaging tone for the day. The band was fronted by a commanding lead vocalist, her piercing gaze cutting through the summer sunlight and drawing the crowd in with every note.

.

Channel Tres / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

The energy transitioned for the Welcome to Country, grounding the audience in a sense of place and respect before paving the way for more urban influences. Miss Kaninna followed, bringing a powerful presence that resonated with strong indigenous and feminist themes. Her performance was both bold and sensual, marked by a thick, captivating style that left a lasting impression on those in attendance.

The evening’s lineup continued with a memorable set from Fcukers, who captivated the audience with their distinctive electronic pop sound. Their performance was characterized by breathy, laid-back female vocals that evoked a sense of effortless cool, reminiscent of the 1990s underground scene. The track “I Like it Like That” stood out as a true representation of their style, leading the crowd on a smooth and enjoyable musical journey. Following this, Balu Brigada took the stage with an energetic presence that perfectly matched the lively, sweaty atmosphere of the festival. Their set was invigorating—like the refreshing sensation of a cold drink on a hot day. The band’s movement and engagement with the stage kept the energy high, with “So Cold” and “Backseat” serving as standout tracks that resonated powerfully with the audience. Balu Brigada proved themselves to be a must-see act, especially in the dynamic setting provided by Wildlands.

.

Fcukers / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

070 Shake delivered a performance that was truly unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. There was something indescribable about the set—it was as though the audience was transported to another realm. The captivating energy and hypnotic atmosphere drew everyone in, wrapping the crowd in a sense of melancholy that shifted the entire vibe of the festival. Their rendition of “Guilty Conscience” stood out as a highlight, mesmerizing listeners with its emotional depth. The performance was not flashy or ostentatious, but it didn’t need to be. Instead, 070 Shake commanded the stage with a powerful yet understated presence that was simply superb.

.

Addison Rae / Photo – Gabrielle Clement @gxbriellemxry

.

Addison Rae marked a dramatic shift in the festival’s energy, introducing a burst of glossy pop that immediately stood out from the day’s earlier acts. She hit the stage in eye-catching neon capris and sparkling body glitter, turning heads and sparking excitement throughout the crowd. The atmosphere pivoted sharply—a playful left turn from the previous acts—capturing the attention of younger festival-goers who enthusiastically proclaimed her their “queen”. While her performance may not have resonated strongly with everyone, particularly those with a taste for earlier pop icons, it undeniably struck a chord with the youth in attendance. Addison Rae’s music, known for its candid and provocative style, was delivered with confidence and flair. “Diet Pepsi” proved to be a highlight, drawing an enthusiastic response and confirming her appeal. The set’s sugar-sweet energy provided a stark contrast before the festival transitioned into the more laid-back and distinctive sounds of Kid Cudi, signalling yet another change in pace and vibe for the evening.

.

Miss Kaninna / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

Kid Cudi, a standout moment of the festival, delivering an effortlessly cool and captivating performance that resonated with the crowd. Right from the start, he drew fans in by launching into some of his most beloved tracks, including the iconic “Day ‘N’ Nite,” much to the delight of attendees—many of whom had come specifically to see him. His relaxed stage presence allowed the audience to fully immerse themselves in the music, with each song building a sense of connection. Kid Cudi did not disappoint; his set alone was worth the price of admission and left a lasting impression on everyone present. For those seeking a truly emotional experience, “Pursuit of Happiness” stood out as a defining moment.

Dom Dolla, rounding out the Sahara stage, whose performance proved to be a highlight of the evening amongst spectators. The venue came alive as pyro effects lit up the space, adding a dramatic flair that set the tone for his set. Perched high above the stage, Dom Dolla commanded attention—not only through his music but also with his unmistakable presence. Dressed in a striking red shirt, he was instantly recognisable, standing out as a true powerhouse. The energy in the festival reached new heights during his appearance, with fans responding enthusiastically to every beat.

As the day turned into evening – the rowdiness grew and the classiness declined. Groups of humans huddled together on the curbs to enjoy the tasty treats on offer from the plethora of food trucks – and can you blame them? What a huge day! I do love a bit of debauchery after all! Touching base with a few of the spectators – the consensus was clear – Kid Cudi and Dom Dolla were who they were there to see. Couple of stand outs from me: Fcukers, Balu Brigada, 070 Shake, Kid Cudi, and Sim0ne. Overall – I was impressed by the quality of the performers.

.

Sim0ne / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

Follow WILDLANDS FESTIVAL
Facebook – Instagram – TikTok – Website

.

Attendees / Photo – @victorialoverainbow

.

Press Release 19th December 2025 (below) HERE

WILDLANDS
reveals its set times

.

.

AMNPLIFY – DB