The summer heat was in full swing, but that didn’t stop punters from soaking up killer sets today, enjoying the first of two sold out Sydney BIG DAY OUTs. Capping off the show with an absolutely spectacular fireworks and fire cannon finale, the entire arena of Sydney Showground was lit up, as the BDO celebrated the eve of our 100th show.

With seven BDO’s taking place across the nation (today’s show following on from successful events in Auckland on Friday 15th January, and the Gold Coast on Sunday 17th January), a sold-out crowd of 53,000 music fans kept their cool despite the soaring temperature. Making the most of the free water fountains and water stations across the BDO site, festival-goers took in 70+ acts hailing from both Australia and beyond, proving yet again why the BDO is Australia’s premier live music festival.

UK trio MUSE headlined with an amazing set that had to be seen to believed – even inviting JET’s Nic Cester up onstage for a rendition of AC/DC’s “Back In Black”. LILY ALLEN seduced the crowd on the Orange Stage, while punters headed indoors to keep cool with SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, GIRL TALK and CALVIN HARRIS in the Boiler Room. The Silent Disco also provided a reprieve from the heat.

Aussie artists showcased yet again why they rival the biggest overseas names when it comes to live music. The TEMPER TRAP lit up the Green Stage with a huge singalong to “Sweet Disposition”, while hip-hop kings the HILLTOP HOODS nailed it over on the Orange Stage.

In addition to the music, the BIG DAY OUT showcased a collection of visual art, including: sculpture that comes to life, progressive street art, film, and photography.

The fireworks and fire canon spectacular took place shortly after Muse left the stage. The BDO reaches a mammoth milestone tomorrow, with the second sold-out Sydney event – taking place Saturday 23rd January – marking our 100th BIG DAY OUT show.

St Johns Ambulance Commander, John Merlino reported that the majority of treatments across the day were heat related, including dehydration, exhaustion and sunburn. Despite this, figures were down on last year’s event.

Tomorrow’s show (Saturday 23rd January) is expected to be another scorcher with an early evening storm predicted. Organisers urge everyone attending to take the necessary precautions to ensure they have a happy and safe day.

Please keep hydrated by drinking lots of water, apply sunscreen before you arrive, and keep applying throughout the day. (Free sunscreen is available from the St Johns.) We strongly recommend you wear a hat.

>From Sydney, the BIG DAY OUT travels to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The line-up features some of the biggest names in the music world including MUSE, LILY ALLEN, DIZZEE RASCAL, PEACHES, KASABIAN, GROOVE ARMADA and many, many more.

www.bigdayout.com