Guitar solos, light shows, and hives of tents. These are all things you expect at Bonnaroo.
But a beach? With palm trees? In Manchester? Not so much.
An area called Oasis is making its debut at Bonnaroo, a miniature resort sponsored by Bacardi rum that offers a new level of stick-your-toes-in-the-sand relaxation.
“This is the only area we’ve set up like this,” said Miami, Fla., resident Matt Kenny who works for Bacardi and travels across the country. “The palm trees are misting stations and they also have periscopes to provide a more aerial view. We have mirage pools, which are really cool, around the perimeter and a tiki rum lounge too. This is a first for Bacardi and the first beach for Bonnaroo.”
The only thing lacking from this beach is the ocean itself as there’s plenty of sand, even a volleyball court, to make you feel like you’re on the coast.
For Bonnaroo, year 16, promoters have decided to let their imaginations spin. In addition to the beach area, there’s a new stage devoted entirely to hip-hop and dance music. If you want get in the Christmas spirit in June, there’s a giant snow globe visitors can climb inside.
“If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to be inside a snow globe, this is your chance,” said Bonnaroo co-founder Ashley Capps of AC Entertainment.
When it comes to music, Capps said landing legendary rock band U2 fulfills a festival goal.
“U2 has known we’ve wanted to have them here for a long time,” said Capps. “The moon and the stars finally aligned and we were able to make it happen.”
With U2 as the headliner, Capps says ticket sales are much improved from last year.
“A lot was said about last year and how our ticket sales were down, but we were still the largest camping festival in North America,” said Capps. “That’s a big deal. Ticket sales are better this year and they’re going well. Our focus has always been to make the fan experience at every festival as memorable as possible and I think that’s one of the things that makes Bonnaroo so special.”
There’s no shortage of entertainment, musical and otherwise. There’s a comedy tent that also serves as a movie theater where there will be 30th anniversary showings of classic films “Spaceballs” and “The Princess Bride.” As for music, 130 performances will be scattered over four days and across 10 stages.
Traffic lined Interstate 24 late Wednesday afternoon and early evening. That’s become the hectic arrival time since campers are now allowed to enter the 700-acre farm Wednesday night.