The winds and lightning set in, and steps in the event’s safety plan were triggered in an effort to protect the welfare of artists and festival attendees.
Spacey Jane stopped short of their full hour-long set, and headliner Amy Shark and closers Northeast Party House missed their opportunities to perform for the crowd.
Shark took to social media apologising to ‘‘everyone in Deniliquin’’ in a video message.
‘‘Unfortunately the weather has turned pretty bad. There looks like a pretty nasty storm is about to hit and the organisers had no choice but to call it — literally I was moments away from getting on the stage,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m devastated that I won’t get to see you, but no one can control the weather and safety comes first.
‘‘I’m sure I will be back, so until next time.’’
Festival general manager Vicky Lowry and chairman Russell Tait reinforced that while it was disappointing to end the stellar day early, they could not ignore the lightning overhead and it was deemed to be unsafe for the artists to take to the stage.
‘‘The organisation is gutted that a severe weather incident shortened the festival — after finally seeing some normality in their industry after the pandemic of the last two years — but everyone’s safety was the number one priority,’’ Mrs Lowry said.
‘‘It was the making of a great day and evening; the crowd was really upbeat and the event was running smoothly with everyone happy and enjoying themselves,’’ Mr Tait added.
‘‘However, with the looming thunderstorm full of lightning gradually moving closer to the event site we were left with no option as safety of the performers, patrons, volunteers and staff is paramount,’’ he continued.
‘‘The board and staff would like to thank all of our emergency services, contractors, volunteers and patrons for their assistance and understanding.’’
Festival goers were still able to enjoy eight hours of fun before the storm rolled in.
And while the crowd was lower than anticipated, Mrs Lowry said spirits were high.
‘‘With COVID restrictions for festivals lifted just two weeks prior to Play on the Plains, lower than expected numbers of 2000 started to arrive at midday full of excitement and more than ready to be back celebrating live music and festivals,’’ she said.
‘‘Dancing and singing was back as festival goers didn’t miss a moment on the dance floor enjoying Destrends, The Rions, Graace, Skegss, Beddy Rays and Spacey Jane (before the concert ended).’’
Earlier in the day, the Deniliquin CBD was buzzing with activities as locals and visitors alike flooded in for a big weekend of family friendly fun.
The commitment from several community groups to work together and put on a huge weekend of fun and festivities certainly paid off, with organisers saying the events were all a huge success, despite a couple of hiccups.
Those who were after a bargain rose early on Saturday morning to hit the town garage sales.
There were plenty of fantastic items up for grabs, with crowd favourite being Loris Wills’ home in Macauley St.
A selection of baked goods helped her sale stand out. One shopper was heard saying she wished the items would sell out, or she would be tempted to stay all day with a cuppa and enjoying the delicious biscuits.
But there was no time to sit around, because by 9am the Do It In Deni Street Bazaar was in full swing and a crowd had gathered in the CBD.
Road closures between Edwardes and Napier St turned Cressy St into a high foot traffic mall with a wide range of shopping opportunities, kids entertainment and live music, from the Edward River Concert Band and more.
Keen golfers spent Saturday and Sunday taking part in the Autumn Classic at Deniliquin Golf Club, with manager Norm Purtill saying it was a record field of entrants this year.
While most of the events were held Saturday, a few Deniliquin Town Garage Sale participants also held Sunday sales to keep the weekend rolling along.
