Earthcore – a five-day electronic music festival – began in stifling heat, with international and local festival goers eager to pass security and secure a camping spot. 

In jovial spirits, a small group of central Victorian friends were strapping in for a five-day party.

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“It’s a really friendly festival and has a good vibe about it,” said a shirtless Jake Collinson, donned in a straw hat.

Elsewhere, an international group of French and English visitors said they were looking forward to the longer-form festival, the likes of which they are more accustomed to in Europe. 

Acknowledging the local hospitality, Englishman Matthew Winn said, when in the centre of Elmore, he was told by a CFA volunteer his cooking equipment would be taken off him at the festival entrance. 

A local cafe owner then offered to keep it safe over the weekend, he said, with a gracious smile. 

Aidan Spiller, from Geelong, attended the previous incarnation of Earthcore, which operated in Pyalong from 2013-16.

“It’s great to get out of Geelong,” he said.

“The environment and music is good too.”

A South Australian trio, attending their first ‘bush doof’, chose Earthcore because of its reputation and its musical line up. 

“This one has good ratings and people said they’ve had a good experience,” Kristyen Spence said.

Assistant manager at the Elmore IGA Kym Dean, when arriving at the store early this morning, was greeted by a group of 20 people. 

“I opened up early and we haven’t stopped since,” said Ms Dean, who had already run out of ice by early afternoon on Thursday. 

“The money is good and I think everyone will benefit from it.”

Around 7000 people were expected for the festival, she said.

Elmore bakery owner Dee Bowes said she hadn’t seen a huge difference in walk-in customers on Thursday, but hoped it would pick up as the weekend progressed.

Police had a visible presence on the roads surrounding the events centre and the festival entrance.

Campaspe Inspector Geoff Owen said that would remain the case for the festival’s entirety.  

“Police are providing a strong visible presence at the event to ensure public order and road policing,” he said.

Road policing would focus on drink and drug driving, Mr Owen added, suggesting police had “sufficient numbers” to address issues in conjunction with security and fire plans and festival organisers.

“We’re making sure all the patrons can attend the event and do it safely,” he said.

Earthcore organisers were contacted for comment.