Arriving at the Peats Ridge site on the final day of the festival we were welcomed by a mini traffic jam while 200 horses went for their twice daily trot on the property. It was like a scene from The Man From Snowy River. As soon as you drive into the valley you realise how lucky you are to be in such an incredible setting.
Walking around the festival you get the feeling that everyone has really settled in and created their own oasis. We found the best Corn Fritters in all of Australia and settled ourselves in the shade with a jug of Sangria.
I played Peats Ridge two years ago as a solo act and I've been itching to get back with my band. Our set was at the Lyrebird and the crowd were everything we could have asked for. As a performer it's the biggest rush you can get when the crowd are eager participants in your music. Plus it was fancy dress and incredibly entertaining to see a group of nuns, Where's Wallys and pilots swaying their hands in the air in unison. Even the stifling heat and fermenting Portaloos couldn't break people's spirits.
A musical highlight for me was seeing Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings perform on the main stage; a really tight band performing sounds that create an overwhelming need to move. You just can't stand still listening to such soulful music. I heard great things about the sets from Clairy Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes' and The Falls from the previous day of the festival too.
Peats Ridge was everything I remembered and more. It's a slick operation backstage and a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere on site. Definitely a favourite festival of mine that I would love to get back to as often as possible in my career.
