Review: Space Jams 2025 @ Inman Valley 04-05/10/25
Space Jams is a celebration of artistry, community and shared experience, set against one of South Australia’s most picturesque backdrops.
Words & images Michael Lockheart
Space Jams 2025 @ Inman Valley 04-05/10/25
The drive into the heart of Inman Valley set a tone of natural reverence long before the first chords rang out. Single-track roads wound through rolling green hills, slopes dotted with gum trees that looked more Tolkien’s Shire than Fleurieu Peninsula. The scenery alone hinted at the experience to come: lush, cinematic and quietly alive.
By the time festivalgoers arrived at Alma’s Hem, an energy was immediately apparent. Warm, laid-back and welcoming, Space Jams felt less like a festival and more like a gathering of friends and families. There was no pretence, no hierarchy; just good music, good people and a shared sense of purpose alongside a fervent love for South Australia’s homegrown music scene.
The campsite stretched across the paddock, each car and swag neatly spaced under the trees. Although the event had sold out, it never felt crowded. Alma’s Hem offered a special nook among the hills, complete with ponds, hanging gum trees and still air that encouraged reflective calm and quiet connection.
The first act experienced was Brad Chicken and the Bootstraps, whose barnstorming Americana sound blended humour and spectacle, immediately drawing the audience into a lively, engaged mood. Kara Manansala followed with a profoundly introspective set. Subtle guitar swells and airy vocals floated seamlessly through the bushland, offering moments of quiet reflection. Ella Ion added a relatable songwriting palette, her emotive performance resonating powerfully yet gently across the paddock.
The festival paused for a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, grounding the event and acknowledging Ramindjeri Land. The thick, evocative herbal smoke lingered over the site as Bree Tranter followed, her ethereal vocals adding a ghostly, dreamlike layer to the early afternoon. Bromham then shifted the energy sharply at the Amphitheatre, delivering rollicking folk rock that had attendees dancing barefoot in the dust.
Visually, the festival was a feast. The late afternoon sun cast a golden haze over faces, tents and gum trees. Outfits ranged from vintage finds to flamboyant, self-styled ensembles. A clothes swap and vintage stall added to the creative pulse, encouraging attendees to engage with the festival beyond just the music.
Tim Goddard of Dragon Mill brought artistry to the site, contributing to the Plai Space area before performing a mesmerising sunset fire display, spinning Poi against the glowing sky. Watty Thompson captivated with charisma and charm, his storytelling holding the crowd rapt. Marley Love contrasted with soaring retro soundscapes, evoking the energy of a 1990s euro dance-off.
Druid Fluids closed the rock and roll element with an immersive, psychedelic set, showcasing musicianship that underlined why South Australia’s live scene commands national attention. Textured, dynamic and euphoric at times, their expansive sound carried the audience through a final wave of energy amid strong winds across the site.
As night fell, the Rave Cave pulsed quietly at the edge of the grounds. DJs spun alternative electronic tracks into the early hours, the atmosphere recalling ConFest’s underground silent discos, where rhythm and movement connected strangers in fleeting but memorable ways.
Morning brought calm. Mirror-like ponds reflected a pale sky as festivalgoers moved through yoga sessions or queued for coffee and breakfast rolls. The fresh, gentle air lent itself to slow conversations and quiet reflection, a pause after the previous night’s intensity.
Since its origins as a DIY Instagram live stream in 2020, Space Jams has grown into a regional phenomenon. Its ethos of inclusivity, creativity and community-driven experience has earned three SA Music Awards for Best Small Festival. Alma’s Hem has become a fitting home, providing a space where music, art and human connection intersect seamlessly.
The weekend left a lasting impression: a celebration of artistry, community and shared experience, set against one of South Australia’s most picturesque backdrops.
Want more pics of the gig? Check out our full photo gallery here.
