As American folk singer Angel Olsen soothed the crowd at Meredith Music Festival with her doleful, winding voice, a woman was "vox popping" punters with the important questions.

Lazing on couches, sipping cocktails and sparkling in costumes, the crowd was enjoying an escape from reality on Saturday afternoon.

The three-day festival's no d---heads policy was in full force, with a relaxed, open and accepting party vibe prevailing.

First-time festival goer Kate Robertson, who drove to Meredith – held at a farm between Geelong and Ballart since 1991 – in a campervan from Adelaide, described the feeling as "chilled".

"I feel like I've been spoilt," she said. "Every other festival, I'll be like, 'where are the couches?'"

On a nearby blanket on the grassy hill overlooking the stage, Meredith veteran Ella Norman said, like other years, punters were expressing themselves and having fun without getting overtly wasted or wild.

"Everyone loves wearing what they're wearing and being a little bit outside of their lives," she said. "It's been amazing."

Rhys Hamlyn, dressed in clashing patterned shirt and pants and an Akubra hat, said despite the sun not being out, the atmosphere was "fun, festive and fabulous".

"The crowd bring the warm energy," he said. "The no d---heads policy works really well."