Record crowds warm up Echuca Moama’s Winter Blues

Speaking to the crowd, outgoing committee chair Laurelin Berick and incoming chair Laura Graham confirmed this year’s festival was one of the biggest in its history, with more than 15,000 music fans flocking to the twin towns.

"Everywhere you look this weekend, there were smiles, hugs between old friends, new friendships being formed, visitors exploring our towns, local businesses thriving, and volunteers proudly wearing their Winter Blues vests,” Ms Graham said.

“That is the magic of the festival. It isn't just about the music. It's about community, about connection, and it's about people."

From the moment crowds packed the Port of Echuca and the American Hotel for Thursday’s launch right through to the final sets echoing down the streets on Sunday night, the magic of Winter Blues was felt at every turn.

Among the weekend's early highlights was a traditional smoking ceremony held on Saturday morning at Hopwood Gardens, where Uncle Rick Ronnan shared cultural insights with a large crowd of gathered festival-goers.

As the weekend rolled on toward Saturday and Sunday night, where acts such as Rory Phillips Trio, Frank Sultana Blues Band, 19 Twenty and more took to the stage, the energy only grew.

Before artist Jesse Redwing tore up the stage at the wrap party, the internationally recognised blues sensation proclaimed Winter Blues to be the best on the circuit.

“It just gets better every year, it's the best — my favourite to come to,” he said.

It was a sentiment echoed throughout the room, with repeat attendees and artists alike telling The Riv they plan to return for as long as the festival keeps going.

The festival’s music venues famously spans the entirety of Echuca-Moama, with many pubs reporting at capacity numbers for the biggest evening sets over the weekend.

Speaking to The Riv at the wrap party, Ms Graham said the committee heard accommodation across the area had booked out months in advance from people travelling across Australia.

"It's really exciting that people are travelling a long way on planes to come here to go to this event now,“ she said.

While she wasn’t able to attend every artist, Ms Graham pointed to the standout 19 Twenty performance at Echuca Hotel on Saturday as one of the highlights of the weekend.

"Based on what the venues have been saying, many venues on certain nights almost ran out of alcohol. Many cafes, restaurants almost ran out of food.

“It was, by all accounts ... the biggest festival we've ever had."

Ms Graham thanked the tireless work by the volunteers and committee who made this year’s festival run so smoothly.

She especially thanked Mrs Berick who officially handed the reins over to her at the wrap party after a joint co-chair effort this past year.

Finally, she thanked the crowds who came in waves to support the event.

"Please continue to support live music, support our artists, and support communities that welcome you,“ Ms Graham said.

“We can't wait to welcome you back to Echuca-Moama next year for another unforgettable Winter Blues Festival.”

And if this year’s record crowds were any indication, music lovers across the country will already be counting down the days.