That’s a record: Winter Blues proves biggest yet

“Based on previous years, we predict that Winter Blues brings in more than $10 million into the economy of Echuca and Moama,” she said.

“Much of the accommodation was fully booked out.

“I think a few people at the last minute were able to find a couple of rooms, but it would have been really hard.

“Someone told me they had to go and stay in Kyabram.

“I think it was great for our accommodation partners, great for our cafes, great for our pubs, great for our shops.

“They all seemed to be lined with people.”

Echuca Moama Accommodation Association member and Cape Horn Vineyard owner Greg Gilmour thought it was more like 25,000 people.

“It was bigger than last year and last year we estimated there were 20,000 people at the festival,” he said.

“Outside of Byron Bay Blues, we are by far the biggest Blues festival going around.

“Don’t forget we also had the day tripper market from places like Shepparton and Deniliquin visiting.

“The accommodation closest to town is always full, not so much, as you get further out.

“But the bus service was very well patronised and made all the difference to accommodation further out.”

Mr Gilmour said the bus service helped spread the love to the whole of the region and thanked Gary from McConnell Bus Operations for organising the service.

Ms Berick noticed that this year there seemed to be many more locals who came to check out the festival.

“We clearly had the weather on our side, which I think contributed even more to what an absolutely wonderful weekend it was,” she said.

“The whole community needed this good-feel weekend and we achieved that in spades.”

Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival would not have been possible without all the artists, who played for free over the weekend.

“I am thankful to the artists that were involved, I seriously was blown away by all of them,” Ms Berick said.

“And so entertaining, they are true performers, they engaged their audiences.

“So many of them started jamming together.

“They would grab somebody else’s bass or drummer and a number of artists would mishmash and jam together, which seemed to be so much fun.

“We had a number of new artists this year that we had never had and they all got crowds, there wasn’t an empty venue.”

Ms Berick noted the role Peter Williams had in previous Winter Blues Festivals.

“In memory of Peter Williams, the festival started with just six street performers on a Sunday afternoon and this year we have gone to over 50 artists in over 20 locations.” she said.

“He had such a big influence and steered the festival for many many years to be able to get it to this point.”

Ms Berick thanked all sponsors, supporters and suppliers that had made the weekend possible, particularly mentioning Rhythm Section for programming the artists and the Winter Blues committee.

“Thank you to the volunteers that helped out over the weekend, the people manning the family space, running our merchandise tent, and helping out making it a smooth weekend for everyone,” she said.

“We should thank all the people, all the visitors, all the punters and everyone that attended.

“The vibe is largely because of them, it was such an upbeat positive weekend.

“There were very few issues with people, it was a peaceful, peaceful event.

“I think we shook the winter blues, definitely.

“We just can’t wait to come back in 2024, it will be just as good, if not better.”