Out in the paddocks of Tasmania, far from the noise and polish of the mainland festival circuit, something real has been built.

Party In The Paddock didn’t start as a business plan or a major event. It started as a 22nd birthday in 2012, just Jesse Higgs, a few mates, a paddock, and an idea worth backing. What followed wasn’t luck. It was years of hard graft, long days, and figuring things out the hard way.

Alongside Higgs, Alec McLelland and Ryan Limb became the backbone of what PITP is today, a tight unit often described as a perfect triangle. Three different strengths: creative vision, logistics, and operations, working together to build something that could stand up year after year in one of the most unpredictable environments in the country.

Because this isn’t just a festival. It’s a full-scale build.

Stages rising from bare ground.

Steel, rigging, fencing, power, water, roads.

Heavy machinery carving out access where there was none.

Electricians, riggers, builders, operators, every trade playing a part to get it over the line.

From those early days, the festival has grown into one of Australia’s most respected independent events, produced under Vibestown Productions, the team Higgs co-founded in 2015. And in 2026, the next chapter begins with Higgs stepping back after more than a decade at the helm, handing over full leadership to McLelland and Limb to carry it forward.

But behind the stages, the music, and the crowds, the story hasn’t changed.

It’s still built on hard work.

Still powered by mateship.

Still earned every year.

And with Hard Yakka backing the crew on the ground with gear that’s built to last, it’s work that gets done properly, no matter the conditions.

ORIGINS & PERSONAL STORY

When did Party In The Paddock begin, and why did you start it? 

It started in 2012 as a 22nd birthday in a paddock. There wasn’t much else to it, just wanting to bring people together for music and a good time. But it struck a chord, and each year we kept building on it literally from the ground up.

Can you tell us about your background and how the three of you came together?

None of us came from big festival organisations. We were locals with different strengths who backed each other. Over time, it became clear we had a solid mix, creative, operational, logistical. That balance is what’s kept it going, especially when the job gets big and physical.

What were some early moments that nearly stopped it?

Plenty. Weather, funding, permits, every year felt like it could be the last. Early on, even getting basic infrastructure in place was a challenge. But we kept showing up and finding a way to make it work.

Did you ever imagine it would grow into what it is today?

No. Early on, it was just about getting through the next year. The growth came from sticking to what felt right and putting in the work.

WHAT PITP IS ABOUT

What does PITP stand for beyond the music?

It’s about community first. The music brings people in, but the feeling keeps them coming back. It’s not overproduced, it’s built by real people putting in real work.

How do you keep it authentic as it grows?

By staying close to it. We’re still hands-on, still on-site, still involved in the build. That connection keeps it grounded.

What role do people play?

Everyone shapes it, the crew, artists, locals, punters. From the people laying flooring and running cable, to those on stage, it all adds up to the final experience.

What do people feel when they arrive?

Like they’ve found something different. There’s a rawness to it, you can feel what’s gone into building it.

THE WORK BEHIND THE FESTIVAL

What goes into making this happen?

Months of planning, then weeks on the ground building a temporary city. Stages, bars, fencing, amenities, power, lighting, access roads it all has to be brought in and built from scratch. It takes a full crew across multiple trades to make it happen safely and on time.

What does a long day look like during build?

Early starts, late finishes. Machinery running, crews moving, constant problem-solving. You’re unloading, installing, checking structures, running cables, whatever needs doing. Then you reset and do it again the next day.

What tests your resilience?

When everything stacks up, weather, delays, timelines tightening. Working outdoors, on uneven ground, under pressure it takes a toll.

How do you keep pushing?

You focus on the next task. The job in front of you. And you trust the crew beside you to carry their part.

MATESHIP & TEAM

How important is mateship?

It’s the foundation. When you’re working long hours in tough conditions, it’s your crew that gets you through.

Talk about trust in the crew.

You need to trust everyone from operators to riggers to site crew, that they know their job and will deliver. There’s no room for passengers.

A moment that sums it up?

Late nights during build, everyone exhausted, but still pushing together to get the site ready. No one walks off early.

PROBLEM-SOLVING & REAL WORK

A problem you’ve had to solve on the fly?

Weather is always a big one. Mud, wind, changing conditions it affects everything from access to structures. You’ve got to adapt quickly, shift gear, reinforce builds, and keep things moving.

Planning vs reacting?

You plan everything you can, but out here a lot comes down to reacting in real time. Conditions change, and you adjust.

Why is reliable gear critical?

Because when you’re working with heavy equipment, temporary structures, and tight timelines, failure costs time and safety. You need gear that holds up, no matter what gets thrown at it.

HARD YAKKA ALIGNMENT

Why does Hard Yakka feel like a fit?

Because this is real, physical work. It’s long hours, tough conditions, and no shortcuts. You need gear that can handle that.

What values line up?

Resilience, mateship, doing the job properly. Showing up, putting in the work, and seeing it through.