When one thinks of loud crowds, maxed out bass’ and a chill that makes your hair stand on end, to associate this with an intense feeling of satisfaction feels bazaar.
However, a study has revealed that people who go to concerts, museums, create art or play an instrument are in fact far happier people
The study, led by Koenraad Cuypers of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, also revealed that wealth and education were not considered as necessary elements of happiness.
Therefore, the touring Groovin’ the Moo festival was the perfect atmosphere for people to wash away their stress.
Concertgoers are generally happier people, study reveals: Groovin' the Moo festival 2011. Photograph: Hayley Grieve
Groovin’ the Moo, Canberra, was held at the Canberra University grounds where temperatures on the sunny day peaked to around 14 degrees.
This is the sixth year the festival has been operational and after a sell out crowd in 2010, Groovin’ the Moo organisers are expecting the same in 2011.
The ACT is the fourth state to be visited by the touring festival, after Bendigo VIC, Townsville QLD, Maitland NSW, and before Bunbury WA.
The 12-hour event showcased three tents and 28 local and international artists with food, drink and merchandise stalls as well.
With a few clouds in the sky at the beginning of the day, the weather looked ominous; however, the sun soon came through but the mercury remained low.
The temperature, however, didn’t pose a problem for the concertgoers, with some even turning up in short shorts and singlet tops.
Karlie, 15, was too excited about the line up to have concern for the weather.
“Nah, it’s not cold,” she said.
“This day is stellar, can’t wait to see Cut Copy tonight but.”
“Might be colder then,” she added.
Perhaps the surrounding music and beats were just part of the reason she was feeling so good.
According to the study, women are affected slightly differently to men.
Women were less likely to feel anxious, depressed or feel unwell if they played an instrument or sketched/painted/carved, etc.
The link was stronger in men, with activates such as concerts or museums being associated to his overall increased well being.
Men are happier when watching a concert. Birds of Tokyo play at Groovin' the Moo. Photograph: Hayley Grieve
The study outlined that cultural participation was the main contributor to general well being, positive self and life affirmation.
Clinical Pharmacist, Fallon Courtney, said that this study could definitely be something to consider.
“Patients that come into the hospital that have a larger cultural exposure than others generally appear to have a better outlook on life,” Ms Courtney said.
“Good mental health is more often then not associated with social interactions, therefore these activities will certainly attribute to a person’s happiness,” she said.
Researchers suggested also that the brain and immune system is benefitted as a result of these activities.
“This is an area that health care systems should continue to look in to for the future,” Ms Courtney said.
The results from the study reveal that engaging in cultural activities within the healthcare system may well be justified.
John Byron certainly felt in a very good state of health towards the end of the Groovin’ the Moo Festival.
“This gig is blo*dy amazing!” he shouted.
Hayley Grieve: News 
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