This year, Muster celebrations will stretch almost a full week, starting with the new Open Streets Spirit of the Muster Street Festival on Tuesday, September 29.
It will be followed by the returning Spirit of the Muster event on Wednesday, September 30.
Together, the events are expected to draw thousands of people into the town centre and provide a major boost for local businesses, community groups and hospitality venues.
To add to the atmosphere, businesses are encourage to decorate their windows and enter the Deniliquin Business Chamber’s Muster Themed Display competition, which also has prize categories for farm gates and industrial businesses.
Tuesday’s festival has been coordinated by the Deni Ute Muster team with government funding support.
Cressy and Napier Sts will be transformed into a lively festival precinct from 5pm to 10pm.
The free Open Streets Spirit of the Muster Street Festival will feature entertainment, community activities and special promotions from local businesses, creating a vibrant atmosphere ahead of the Deni Ute Muster weekend.
The musical line-up will include local and regional artists, and a performance from country sweetheart and Ute Muster performer Amber Lawrence.
There will also be a fashion parade, wood chopping, whip cracking, driving simulator, street performers, light installations and a pop-up family cinema.
Many local businesses will stay open late and have activities and specials that spill out into the street, and ALLSTARS 360 will run a series of workshops (registrations have already closed).
A free event bus service, funded through the NSW Government's Open Streets Program, will operate throughout the evening to help bring in people from the surrounding villages and home again.
Everything you need to know about the event, including a handy map of the activities on offer, is included in today’s edition as a centre lift-out.
The momentum continues on Wednesday with the return of Spirit of the Muster, now in its third year.
Presented by Edward River Council in partnership with the Deni Ute Muster and Deniliquin Business Chamber, the event offers locals and visitors a taste of the famous Muster atmosphere before the main festival begins.
This is also a free event, and it will run from 10am to 2pm.
Cressy St and the Waring Gardens precinct will come alive with ute displays, live music, family activities, market stalls and community attractions.
Highlights will include a curated display of classic and customised utes, more live performances from Amber Lawrence and Ellis Undercover, bucket drumming sessions, art activities, community stalls and the popular REV driving simulator.
The action then moves to the Deniliquin Ute Muster site from the Thursday when, for the first time, the Grand Pavilion will come to life with a special concert.
The sold-out Ultimate Superstars of Country tribute show will feature musicians who emulate Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen, and $5 from every ticket will be donated to the Deniliquin High School P&C.
The Muster then swings into full action on the Friday and Saturday. Get your tickets at www.deniutemuster.com.au.
