FYI: The Sydney Festival Flaming Lips Gig In The Domain Is No BYO For First Time Ever

January in Sydney has several cultural stalwarts that offer it’s sun-drenched denizens ways to get together and part-ay, none as long-running and culturally ingrained as the free, live shows in the Domain, put together as part of the yearly Sydney Festival.

Many a Sydney-sider has chucked the picnic blanket over the shoulder and strolled into the Domain, bottle of vino and hamper brimming with cheeses in hand, for a balmy evening of Jazz, Opera, Rock or even Spanish Flamenco over the years but this year’s offerings differ in a number of ways, namely that for the first time in its history Sydney Festival is banning BYO alcohol and food.

Yep, for this Saturday’s Flaming Lips headlined free gig in The Domain, patrons will not be allowed to bring their own food and beverages, instead being forced to purchase from the on-site bar and food facilities.

The gig, which kicks off at 5pm and also hosts sets from Royal Headache and Belfast FM, is the first time that the January Domain series of gigs will be no BYO. The following weekend shows of Opera in the Domain and Symphony in the Domain remain BYO friendly.

Confirming the ban to us via Twitter, Sydney Festival says the rule is due to ” limited space” as well as the fact that bands are playing right from gates open at 5pm. “Also security reasons and keeping the event free from dangerous substances & items.”

The BYO ban is most likely being enforced due to the nature of the gig, which unlike in previous editions, is a more raucous all-out rock gig as opposed to a sit on a picnic rug and chill vibe, as well as the fact organisers are probably expecting larger numbers than in prior years.

You’ve been warned friends, bring those cash moneys if you’re heading along this weekend.

Check below for the full list of prohibited items, as noted on the official Sydney Festival website and head to our SydFest Feed here, for the full list of shows including gigs by Girlpool and Joanna Newsom.

Watch: The Flaming Lips – Do You Realize

Prohibited Items

• Glass bottles or cans, including perfume bottles (sealed water bottles or empty water bottles are ok);
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Picnics
• Illicit drugs;
• Aerosol products;
• Knives or other dangerous weapons including potential missiles;
• Flares, fireworks or sparklers;
• Lasers or laser pointers;
• Animals or pets (other than assistance dogs)
• Professional recording or broadcast devices without the promoter’s permission;
• Flags with poles, large flags or banners that may obstruct the view of other patrons;
• Any item that you intend (or such quantities of the item from which Management can reasonably infer that you intend) to distribute, hawk, sell, offer, expose for sale or display for marketing or promotional purposes;
• Large items including eskies, drink coolers or ice boxes;
• Umbrellas
• Any dangerous goods;
• Any other items as determined by Security or Management that may cause injury or public nuisance; and
• Non sealed drink containers
• Any form of clothing or accessories that could in any way be associated with bike gangs.

Any prohibited items found will be confiscated. Alcohol will be disposed of, illegal substances or weapons or items considered dangerous or offensive will be handed over to the police, anything else can be held in the Guest service booth until patrons leave the event.