Thousands of music fans are refusing to let wet weather dampen their spirits at Party In The Paddock.
Revellers have donned ponchos and umbrellas as rain swept across Quercus Park on the festival’s final day.
Up to 6mm of rain fell in the four hours after 9am Sunday, but the 14,000-strong crowd kept the party going ahead of tonight’s headline acts The Veronicas and Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Festival director Ryan Limb said organisers were keeping a close eye on conditions but expected the weather to clear.
“We’re monitoring the weather situation closely and are in regular contact with relevant authorities,” he said. “The event is proceeding as planned.”
Free ponchos have been handed out at information booths and entry gates, with campers making the most of the soggy conditions.
The festival, now in its 13th iteration, has grown from a backyard birthday party with 480 guests to Tasmania’s biggest homegrown music event.
Co-founder Jesse Higgs said it started with a Facebook message in 2011.
“I was like, hey, I want to start a music festival. I think the state needs a music festival that books local artists,” he said.
This year’s crowd is up 1,000 on last year, with 10% travelling from interstate and overseas.
More than 180 acts are performing across the four-day event, with half of them Tasmanian.
Tourism Minister Jane Howlett said events like Party in the Paddock were crucial for the state’s profile.
“Events like this are so important for Tasmania,” she said.
“We’ve had so many since Christmas and here we are again in northern Tasmania for live music once again.”
The bump-in took four weeks, with 180 staff, nearly 500 volunteers and about 400 crew working behind the scenes.
