THE rain stayed away and the river banks held firm on Saturday as the St Jerome's Laneway Festival shrugged off a pre-festival deluge and flood warnings.
It was a triumphant second year for the festival at the Footscray Community Arts Centre.
The sprawling site featured 27 artists on three stages and offered a picturesque view of Melbourne's skyline, even if the sun refused to come to the party.
Yarraville band Baptism of Uzi shook off pre-gig nerves and an unaccustomed early-afternoon slot to open proceedings with a vigorous set at the Car Park Stage.
The locals won the sought-after opening slot through The Very West initiative, and drummer Leif Gordon-Bruce said the performance was the best possible exposure for the up-and-coming five-piece.
"This is easily the biggest show we've had, it's great to be representing the west at Laneway."
Singer-guitarist Bojan Stojanov said they wanted to make their mark on the festival by playing hard and loud.
"The aggression is missing from most music these days, so we really wanted to show a lot of energy out there."
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