THE STORY OF VIBESTOWN
TIMELINE
FEB 2012
Birthday party turned Festival
Party in the Paddock technically launched as "Jesse's 21st". to 500 people as a 21st birthday party for festival director Jesse Higgs. Mates invited mates, hay bales became stages, and Jesse pitched the idea of making it something bigger to fellow hooligan Alec McLelland. That’s where it all began.
2013 – 2014
Early Years & Backyard Growth
The crew ran two more festivals, building community buzz, learning the ropes, and laying the groundwork for something more permanent.
2015
VIBESTOWN IS BORN!
Jesse and Alec met Ryan Limb, and together they formed Vibestown - the production company behind Party in the Paddock and future events.
2016 – 2019
From Backyard to Iconic
The festival hit its stride, with 8,000 attendees in the final year at White Hills. Vibestown began producing a growing number of events beyond PITP.
2020
“Final” Party in the Paddock
Announced as the last-ever PITP, the team cited a sense that the festival had outgrown its White Hills home and were ready to explore new formats like concerts and city-based events.
2021 – 2022
COVID-ERA PIVOTS
Amid global uncertainty, the team delivered three 2-day events, navigating ever-changing restrictions and new event models.
2023
THE REVIVAL
With a post-Covid world and a quiet Tasmanian music scene, the team reignited the flame: bringing Party in the Paddock back to a new location, refreshed and re-energised.
2023 – NOW
PITP REIMAGINED
Now attracting more than 12,000 attendees annually, Party in the Paddock is a multi-day camping festival drawing fans from across Australia. Vibestown continues to bring bold, unique events to life alongside PITP.
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