Headlined by John Farnham and supported by the likes of Daryl Braithwaite, Mark Seymour and the Black Sorrows, Regional Touring’s Duane McDonald said it had been another huge success.

“We had about 6000 come through, which is what we were hoping to get,” he said.

“Considering we’d just done one in Mulwala, it was a really strong turnout.

“It was a bit hot earlier in the day, but one the sun went down it was absolutely beautiful.

“A lot of money and work has gone into Gateway Lakes, lights, power and irrigation have gone in, it’s an absolute dream venue.” 

There was a minor setback earlier in the day when it was announced on Saturday morning that Baby Animals were a late cancellation due to a family emergency.

In stepped Hunters and Collectors frontman Mark Seymour, who assembled his band and hit the Hume Highway at little more than a moment’s notice.

“The news in the morning was a bit of a shock, but we just had to find someone who could play,” Mr McDonald said.

“We were able to drag Mark Seymour out of a studio session.

“For him to drop everything like that on a Saturday morning, rally the troops and come up on short notice was an absolutely fantastic result.” 

The lineup and venue proved a hit with the crowd, with many travelling from around the region to attend.

Sandra Pooley came in from the Indigo Valley for the show, and said it had been a great night.

“It’s been great, everyone has enjoyed themselves,” she said.

“They’re behaving themselves, having a great time.

“I think it’s good to have events like this, people will patronise it and that will encourage more people, more groups to come along.

“There’s a lot of people here, and hopefully that will encourage them to have more things here.

“Police and security have been good, the food is reasonably priced, the venue, with the wayer behind us is great, so has the weather.” 

Barry Dent from Bonegilla agreed, saying it had been a very well run event.

“Mark Seymour unexpectedly playing was a highlight, they were fantastic,” he said.

“It’s been a great night.

“It’s been good to watch some of the old bands we watched when we were younger and support these concerts.

“It’s a fantastic spot for it, it’s all run pretty well.” 

1927 and The Black Sorrows, who took to the stage with Vicka and Linda Bull, did just as good of a job as the sun did getting the crowd warmed up, before the surprise appearance of Mark Seymour got the appreciative fans on their feet.

Some respite from the blazing sun came as Daryl Brathwaite took to the stage to run through his library of hits.

‘Rise’ and ‘Howzat’ drew plenty of cheers, but it was ‘Horses’ which, as was to be expected, could probably be heard right across the Border.

John Farnham saved his best until last, finishing with ‘You’re The Voice’ before covering AC/DC’s ‘Long Way To The Top’ as an encore.