History
Marksenfest has run on the grounds of St Mark’s College since 1990. What started as a small Oktoberfest on the tennis courts, with a free stein at the gate and a home brew competition, is now the largest student-organised music festival in the country.
Most of what follows is drawn from The Lion, the College’s own record, kept year after year by committees who were mainly interested in how many kegs went down. We are very glad they wrote it all up.
Where it all began...1990
13th of May. The first Marksenfest was held in 1990 and all started as a very small scale affair, modelled off a German Oktoberfest. To get a ticket you needed just $25, giving you access to different home-crafted designer beers described as ‘mind altering’. Even back in 1990 you received a free stein on entry, and the Oompah Band, later better known as the Adelaide German Band, belted out some epic beats to keep the crowds entertained.
1991
14th of April. The weather was perfect and sunny, but unfortunately the crowd was not enough to make a profit. Despite that, 22 kegs of beer were consumed, a few spit roasts, and table sliding was in full swing. Records state that a bouncer broke a table, presumably whilst attempting a table slide. ‘Doughnut Draught’ stole the title of Best of the Homebrew.
1992
25th of October. The decision was made to target a smaller audience of around 150 people, and the vision to move the event to October, closer to final exams, was a positive one although a profit was still not recorded. Again the Oompah Band was a highlight and their rendition of the chicken dance was well received. Two lamb spits and many steins of beer were consumed. The day was recorded as ‘a wild time’, and The Lion report from 1992 finished with the line: “Thank you to those who set up, got up, messed up and cleaned up after.”
1993
Our current Property Manager was President in this year, Foss. Best to ask him in person what it was like in 1993.
1994
Again about 150 people attended, some dressed in Bavarian attire, others armed with colourful beer steins. There were three competitions: Most Original Bavarian Costume, Most Original Stein and Best Home Brew. Most Marksenfesters finished up around 6pm, however some continued into the night with intent to empty the remaining kegs and the home brews. They apparently made it until midnight, but the success of this was not recorded.
1995
The success started to catch on, as allegedly 500 people joined Marksenfest, consuming 18 kegs over 7 hours and, we quote, “as far as we can recall we didn’t lose money”. The Committee accidentally purchased double the amount of beer they required, giving them little choice but to recruit big. Old Collegians returned by the hundred and it turned out the amount of beer was actually just right. The day had a festival-like atmosphere with arm wrestling, tug of war, beer spitting (attempted, but failed), and the Master judged Best Home Brew, awarding it to the Dodgy Mexicans. The highlight remains the table sliding.
1996
With 1,000 litres of beer, averaging 5 litres per person, a good time was guaranteed. There were 7 entrants in Best Home Brew, the winner being Kyam Maher. Arm wrestling was in full swing with Sarah Crouch, a St Ann’s student, proving herself for the second year running. The exotic beers were Coopers and West End, which proved a hit. Oh, how the times change. The dunking machine was introduced and was a huge success, as many Marksenfesters were dunked into the icy water, including Reverend Susan Straub, the College Chaplain at the time. What a legend.
1997
26th of October. This was the year the date was delayed, relatively last minute, to ensure the home brew was ready. Priorities included the return of the dunking machine and ticket prices of just $14 for collegians, $16 for non-collegians. They also had merchandise, purchasing 80 shirts and selling them for $25. Not much has changed there. 17 kegs were consumed, with the colder weather reducing the thirst of collegians.
1998
11th of October. Again 1,000 litres of glorious liquid to keep the 280 people well hydrated. There was a bouncing castle with play boxing gloves, the security doubled as DJs, and there was a jukebox. The Committee only found out on the morning that the kitchen were not going to cook the BBQ, and scouted the crowd for potential chefs. Beers included Guinness, Southwark, Coopers, West End, St Tropez and an ‘Original German Punch’.
1999
12th of October. Around 330 people made it out to drink 25 kegs and get around a nice German lunch with the Oompah Band. Rain clouds were threatening, but that did not stop the usual Best Home Brew competition, spudding contests, boxing competitions and the arm wrestlers. DJ Jess made sure all were entertained as the day drew to a close. Drinks stopped at 6pm, although many kicked on until the early hours of Monday morning.
2000
A new feature in 2000 was a face painter, with numerous lions, Fella the College dog, dragons and Marksenfest logos running around the tennis courts within the first few hours. The band was Biting Bee Quintet with Adam Page, ensuring crowds rolled in early. Sumo suits, keg races, and a bouncing castle which was deflated within the first 10 minutes by about 20 people. The weather had looked threatening all week but turned it on for the day.
2001
7th of October. The weather proved drizzly and overcast, although the pictures say otherwise. The drinking gods from Santos provided a glorious marquee for the day. No casualties from the sumo suits, Adam Page’s band was back, and a human fly trap was included. Face painting continued and Marksenfest’s favourite Oompah Band was back in action, using the acoustics of the Santos tent to their advantage. The day was said to have the largest attendance in the event’s history.
2002
A year where cable ties were used as wristbands. No Lion Report that we can find.
2003
12th of October. Just $40 for this blockbuster, which was packed with arguably more attractions than any other Marksenfest. From the old favourites like the Home Brew competition, sumo suits, arm wrestling, keg races, face painting and the bouncing castle, along came laughing clowns and a cyclotron.
2004
Over 300 people ascended, pun not intended, upon Marksenfest, and many more than 20 kegs were conquered. Bands again featured the Oompah Band, followed by George Dixon and the Rest. The keg race was won by a group of randoms from Mildura. Western Bulldogs player Will Minson won the arm wrestling. The jelly wrestling proved entertaining as many clothes were ruined forever. Those covered in jelly chose the Pond to wash themselves, and it turned a deep shade of purple. DJ Ben James provided the sounds of the afternoon. This was the year of the new Marksenfest shield.
2005
9th of October. The year the Marksenfest Committee took the event to a new level. The radical decision to fly in New Zealand band Evermore certainly drew some recognition, with a record 550-strong crowd and some post-Marksenfest short-term criticism as they made a loss of around $3,000. Perhaps it had something to do with investing $16,500 to have Evermore perform between 1:30pm and 2:30pm. That is a rate of $4.60 per second. They did play a little longer on the day, proving wrong the punters who thought they would play for 10 minutes.
Additionally, the contract required the Committee to organise various types of alcohol, a fruit platter with kiwi fruit and nectarines, right down to some tic-tacs and chewing gum. 65 kegs of beer were consumed to the tune of other live entertainment including The Embassy, DJ Liam Somers and DJ Keegan Lee. This decision and foresight is well known as one of the key reasons for the success of the event as it stands today. The legacy of this Marksenfest lives on.
2006
8th of October. 600 tickets sold.
2007
14th of October. Returning to the profit books, Marksenfest hosted 750 people and turned over a $12,000 profit. Committee tirelessly promoted the event, so there was no way it was going to disappoint. 60 kegs, plus 350 cans of Red Bull, plus 4 bands, equals 750 happy uni students, one awesome dance floor and the ‘Best Marksenfest Ever’. The after party continued at the Oxford Hotel. Some people were so hungover that they didn’t make it out of bed for the start, but still happily parted with their $50 as late as 3pm.
2008
12th of October. The success continued with more than 1,000 people attending, and tickets sold out on the Friday before the big day. The lineup included E’Nuf Said, Behind These Walls, Two Stroke Johnny and Four Knuckle Shuffle. The Marksenfest tradition of a Home Brew competition was revived. Shandoor from the Oxford judged the entries and the winners were Robbo and Conor, who apparently donated the prize as well. Ascendi Bibui Victus Sum was used frequently. Profit was proudly announced at $18,000 for the College Club. Record breaking.
2009
11th of October. 96 kegs of beer and cider, and an increased profit, raised the standard again. Tickets sold increased to 1,100 and the event sold out more than a month before the big day, on the 11th of September in fact. The lineup included E’Nuf Said, Super Dry (a med band), Sex Panther (a College band) and finished with Hairy Lemon. The weather leading up was full of winter, but a sunny 28 degrees on the day made sure it was an epic one. As the final ticket holders stumbled through the gate, the heavens opened and a mini hurricane hit North Adelaide. Perfect.
2010
10th of October. The lineup featured The Happy Leonards, Little Rhino and of course the Oompah Band in their 20th year. Tickets were $60 before 20 September and then raised to $70 afterwards.
2011
16th of October. A move to online ticketing was innovative, but not all went to plan, and along with some overselling of tickets and difficulty collecting funds it was decided this was not a very smart idea. There were 1,300 tickets available, but including staff there were 1,400 people at the event. Ticket prices were raised slightly to $68. The lineup included Hairy Lemon, Super Dry and the Oompah Band.
2012
30th of September. The only Marksenfest on record to be held in September. It included a return to hard-copy ticketing after difficulties with the online system. It was decided that scaling back the number of tickets would also be a good idea, to a capacity of 1,100. The controversial inclusion of an expensive photo booth had a lasting legacy here, and credit to those Committee members who advocated so strongly. The lineup included E’Nuf Said, Es Ist Super, The Salvadoors, Produkt & Stix and Transit. We consumed 108 kegs, which equates to 5,300 litres.
2013
13th of October. Goodbye to Creswell and East House, as this was the final Marksenfest where attendees would pass these buildings on their way in and out. The year of the inflatable stage, as the Committee removed the tired and run-down Wavals marquee and replaced it with a festival-like stage cover like none other seen before. The introduction of the Big M and the snapbacks was a big hit for the merchandise range. The lineup featured The Shiny Brights, Es Ist Super, Console Warriors, Produkt & Stix, Transit and the Adelaide German Band. 1,275 attendees and 116 kegs consumed. A notable and growing trend of cider drinkers is emerging. Record profit was made this year.
2014
12th of October. Marksenfest expands throughout the College and access returns to the front gates. The event has multiple areas, incorporating the Pond as a key feature. East Wing construction resulted in a reduction in available space, and serious thought was put into whether or not Marksenfest should be moved off site. Food improvements involved popcorn and ice cream, and this was the year of Timberwolf. Alongside Timberwolf was The New Yorks, Hungry Dreamers, Hockey Dad, Lazy Daze, The Cardinals and crowd favourite Transit. There was even a College band. A return to online ticketing through Eventjoy and a revamped merchandise range. Capacity was 1,300 attendees and 118 kegs were consumed.
2015
11th of October. Marked 25 years since St Mark’s first hosted the Oktoberfest-inspired festival on the College grounds. 1,500 enthusiastic attendees celebrated the anniversary on what was a perfect day. They were welcomed with egg and bacon rolls to start the morning, and the rest of the day was filled with hot dogs, sausages, ice cream, fairy floss and more. 2015 was the first year to have two stages. The music lineup included headliner Jesse Davidson, SKIES, Problems, Lost Woods, Spanish Harlem, Transit, Faz, Jake Daulby and the Adelaide German Band, for the 25th time. Attendees were kept busy with a giant slide, sumo suits, the Boys Club Barber Shop delivering #marksencuts, a photo booth, face painters, airbrush artists and twisted balloons. 120 kegs were consumed.
2016
9th of October. The first year that the College Green was introduced as a third area. The setup of DJ decks provided a fabulous arena for energetic attendees to hang out and dance. The day saw yet another sell out, with 1,400 tickets sold almost instantly. Flamingo headlined, with support from Maggie Rutjens, Battlehounds and the return of the Adelaide German Band for their 26th year. The Red Bull mocktail station complemented the day extremely well, whilst copious jam donuts and sausages went down a treat. The after party topped it off.
2017
8th of October. Had the highest amount of attendees in history, and with a sell-out yet again, 2017 was definitely a day to remember. For the first time ever we released our very own MarksenBier, proudly sponsored by Pirate Life. The crafty summer ale was complemented with perfect weather. Attendees had the opportunity to play soccer darts, get their face painted, grab a pretzel, get a cheeky trim from the chop shop, snack on a fairy floss masterpiece sculpted by Eddie Skydoodles, chill out in the London Lounge, or mosh to the epic lineup of Heaps Good Friends, The New Yorks, LOS LEO, The Montreals and Hartway.
2018
7th of October. 28 years of Marksenfest, and another sell-out. The lineup featured Good Doogs, The Brungas, Salibu Macey, Loose Bricks, Elliott Johnson and the Adelaide German Band, along with Indiago, Josh Phillips, Galaxy Eyes and Alana Bray.
2019
13th of October. Our biggest and best lineup yet, featuring Slowly Slowly, Spacey Jane, The Effends, Big Uncle Love Bus and Con Artist. Spacey Jane were eight months out from their debut album and a little over a year from ‘Booster Seat’ landing at number two in the Hottest 100.
2020 and 2021
Cancelled, both years, because of the pandemic. 2021 got further than most people remember: a full lineup was announced in August, with Teenage Joans, Colter, Oscar the Wild and Ethanol Blend, and tickets were days from going on sale when the Committee had to call it off. They remain the only two years since 1990 without a Marksenfest.
2022
8th of October. Marksenfest returned, billed as a 30-year celebration, with more than 1,000 people on a beautiful spring day and the whole thing superbly organised by the College Club Committee led by Caitlin Glascott. The Rions topped the bill, a year after winning triple j Unearthed High and three years before their debut album went top five, alongside Mums Favourite, Frankie Sunwagon and Pool Toy.
2023
7th of October. Two stages, with Rum Jungle headlining. The Newcastle four-piece had just sold out every show on their ‘Everything is Easy’ tour. They were supported by The Kavs, The Max Headroom, Stormy-Lou, Maisie, Sofia Menguita and Joey Haenen.
2024
5th of October. DICE headlined, fresh from their debut album ‘Midnight Zoo’ and a 24-stop world tour, with Purée, Stokes, TOWNHOUSE, Max Kelly & Meg Carlin, Bianca Feher, Emily Grace and Sadie Fuss.
2025
11th of October. Sold out. South Summit headlined, with Fool Nelson, Destinezia, Ramona Persona, Darlington, The Hazys, and the Dog Ridge Acoustic Stage featuring Bianca Feher, Outoftheblue and Matt Boyd.
2026
17th of October. Playlunch headline, straight off the number four spot in the 2025 Hottest 100, with PASH, Even Hannah, Caressa, Full Cream, Broken Waves, and Ned Baulderstone and Jake Horton on the acoustic stage.
