Tongs And Tunes: Here’s The Bunnings Rave Wrap Up

After a viral meme turned into a country-wide campaign, the rooftop carpark of Bunnings Warehouse Preston got christened as Australia’s holy ‘Bunnings Rave’ location. 

Over the afternoon of Saturday (31st August), the store transformed into a strange yet thrilling venue, hosting the likes of the artist who started it all Kaila, as well as NayNay, Lottie, and headliners What So Not and Peking Duk. 

The concept of the Bunnings Rave originated with a viral edm mix of the Bunnings Warehouse jingle created by 19-year old producer Kaila, snowballing into a full fledged rave concept. With fans commenting online for Peking Duk to be the metaphorical headliner, the duo willingly jumped onboard, creating their own version of an energy-fueled Bunnings Remix. With big name What So Not also getting onboard with the concept and spreading the word via Australian tv, the concept became a reality.

“It feels pretty surreal that the people of Australia could push for something so hard that it actually happened; A rave at Bunnings, here we go.” Peking Duk member Reuben Styles said of the feat.

@pekingduk

Hit register to watch it live tonight!! #bunningsrave @Bunnings @Kaila @What So Not @LOTTIE DNB 🎧

♬ Bunnings Rave Remix - Peking Duk

From the last cusp of the day at 5 pm on Saturday, punters who were able to nab up tickets to the event (which sold out in a staggering 0.5 seconds) made their way to the Preston store, collected their wristbands and scoffed down a few of Bunnings’ signature snags. With a team of actual Bunnings employees operating food and ticketing, the gig was in safe hands.

The event was opened up by Brisbane-based artist and Bunnings employee Lottie, who got the crowd riled up early with her drum and bass beats.

Next on the bill was NAYNAY, who has already played several fun raves including a Collingwood ‘train rave’ in July. Third up was Kaila, who of course played their unhinged dnb remix of the Bunnings jingle.  

@jacojac

#bunningswarehouse #bunningsrave

♬ original sound - Jack Jacobs

Those who weren’t able to make it to the event lived vicariously through others, attending via TikTok. 

“This is the most Aussie thing ever. Make it an annual tradition.” One fan commented. 

Others pleaded for there to be “A Bunnings Rave in every state.”

@whatsonot

#bunnings #rave #whatsonot

♬ original sound - What So Not

Some punters who didn’t make it to the actual Bunnings Rave grabbed tix for the official afterparty instead, held at Port Melbourne’s Industrial Centre for the Arts (PICA). DJ What So Not, who is an avid supporter of local talent, stated that he “brought up all the local DJ’s I could find,” for the afterparty, ensuring lucky punters could kick on well into the night.

“Big up @kaila.music_ making this whole moment happen to start with. Some unreal moments from tonight by god.” What So Not said on Instagram.

“Melbourne that rave was Biblical.” Peking Duk added to their own Instagram the next day.

As for the firestarter himself, Kaila commented “Love to everyone who helped make this dream a reality… I’m shook.”

Here’s to Australia for making it happen.