‘Somewhere in the universe there must be something better than man. In a matter of time, an astronaut will wing through the centuries and find the answer. He may find the most terrifying one of all on the planet where apes are the rulers and man the beast.’ Or, he may descend on High Street Northcote on Sunday 21st September and abort the mission altogether. High Vibes 2008 – Planet of the 8th - why search for a higher being when life in Northcote’s orbit is this good?

For the 8th year running, the High Vibes 2008 festival will see High Street in Northcote turned into a thriving enclosure between Clarke Street and Separation Street. The festivities run from 11am to 10pm and unofficially mark the beginning of Melbourne’s festival season. High Vibes 2008 offers the chance to shake off the winter cobwebs, un-furrow the brow and enjoy a day of community camaraderie across eleven hours of unadulterated spring.

With gigs being staged at the Northcote Social Club, 303, Northcote Town Hall, Open Studio, Wesley Anne, the Regal Ballroom and at various galleries and venues along High St, there’s no shortage of aural excesses on offer, not to mention the culturally diverse menu of culinary delights that showcase the quality of High Street’s local eateries.

This year also sees the arrival of the Yarra Trams Jazz on 86 at the Town Hall end of High Street, where punters can enjoy free flowing tunes and a swinging time while Darebin’s jazz heads jam away in one of Melbourne’s iconic trams. Plus, the Kids Zone returns bigger and better than last year at the Town Hall Civic Square, dedicating a whole area to kids and family friendly colourful and festive musical and craft activities.

Alcohol will be served in licensed venues and designated areas within the festival precinct, and as per last year BYO is not permitted. A number of the venues will be extending al fresco style into High Street offering plenty of outdoor spaces to sit back and soak up the atmosphere.

High Vibes 2008 – Planet of the 8th will close the 2008 Darebin Music Feast in celebratory style on Sunday 21st September, bringing together local traders, musicians and the music loving community in some of Melbourne's favourite music venues.