Bill Bate 25/6/25 Bill Bate 25/6/25

DARKER DAYS

We visited Darker Days Festival in Bright and were treated to some great music, cool beers and even cooler nights.

We recently visited the special Darker Days Festival in Bright.

At Clear Air Creative, we’re passionate about all things community, it’s at the heart of everything we do. Darker Days in Bright is a beautiful example of how events can bring people together in meaningful, lasting ways. It’s not just a festival, it’s a feeling. The kind that lingers in your bones long after the fires have cooled, laughter echoing under alpine skies, the scent of smoke and stout in the air, and that unmistakable sense of belonging.

With a stellar line up of boutique beers from Australia and over the ditch and even some cheeky cocktails from distillers trough the region there was plenty to enjoy.

This year’s music line up was a perfect reflection of the festival’s spirit, raw, soulful, and full of energy. We were swept up in the storytelling of Patrick Wilson, the warm, honeyed tones of Liv Cartledge is always one of our favourites, and the energy of crowd favourites Hassall, whose sound seemed to light up the night just as much as the fire pits. And when British India took the stage, the whole crowd lifted — a reminder that even in the quietest season, the mountains can still roar with life.

It’s authentic, locally grounded, and bursting with inspiration. It's a weekend where people come together to share music, food, stories, and connection, with a pint (or two) never far from hand.

If you’ve never been to Darker Days, we can’t recommend it enough. And if you’re already a regular, you probably don’t need convincing, chances are you’ve already marked it on the calendar for next year.

We’ll see you by the fire with rosy cheeks, full hearts, and maybe a camera or two.