More than 20,000 party animals descended upon Sydney’s Olympic Park for techno rave Epik during a severe heatwave on Saturday.
The real stars of the show, however, were not the headlining acts but the daring festivalgoers who braved the scorching 42C heat in outfits that could only be described as ‘barely there.’
The crowd, adorned in vibrant, minimalist attire, also showcased the latest festival must-have: bumbags and crossbody bags, a fashion trend affectionately embraced by the eshays that has now gone mainstream.
The resurrection of the bumbag, once relegated to the fashion graveyard, now seems to have found a new life as an essential part of Aussies festival ‘uniform.’
Festival goers say the bag is surging in popularity as it is small enough not to get in the way of other partygoers and big enough to hold essential items including phone, cash, cards, vapes, and cigarettes.
One young Aussie was pictured wearing a bumbag around her arm
Partygoers were spotted with an accessory much loved by eshays – the crossbody bag
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park says four people were hospitalised after taking drugs at the festival.
‘I can report that there were four transfers to hospitals from the Epik music festival,’ Mr Park said at a press conference in Wollongong on Sunday.
‘Those people are in a critical but stable condition, their conditions appear to be from taking drugs and drug-related issues.’
It comes as the debate around pill-testing rages on, after two men in their 20s died from suspected overdoses after attending the Knockout Festival on September 30, which was held in the same arena that hosted Epik festival.
Pill testing involves analysing illicit drugs to find out what possibly harmful substances are present.
There has long been a push to introduce pill testing at festivals, nightclubs and similar places but the government has steadfastly rejected calls.
Mr Chipp told Daily Mail Australia that the testing could stop the ongoing tragedy of young deaths at festivals.
The humble bumbag made a surprising comeback and resurgence in popularity in recent years as it became a staple part of an eshay’s ‘uniform’ and favourite accessory for festival goers
Young and energetic ravers donned bold, colourful and barely there outfits, donned with bumbags as they braved the 42C heat in Homebush at the electronic dance festival
‘The ongoing tragedies occurring with the loss of young people using pills could easily be stopped if the pills were vetted,’ he said.
‘The government needs to take care of the health of its citizens. They know hundreds or thousands of Australians will take drugs, some with dangerous substances, but their wilful refusal to introduce pill testing makes them culpable for the tragedies.
‘They need to stop burying their head in the sand and do something. They are acquiescing to this ongoing tragedy and I’m speaking to Dominic Perrottet directly here.
‘The government has a judgemental attitude to drug users and keeps going for the politically palpable move.’
One young Aussie opted for a camouflage bumbag
Hundreds of ravers at Epik were seen sporting the bag trend, securing it on their hip or across the front of their body so as to keep their belongings in sight at all times
Raver seen arriving Homebush for the electronic dance festival wearing shorts, sport shoes, a hat and a crossbody bag
Partygoers arriving at techno rave Epik, sporting bumbags across their body
The crossbody bag, also known as a bumbag and a fanny pack in the US, were a must-have accessory of the eighties and nighties but quickly fell out of fashion before making a resurgence in recent years
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