Play on the Plains festival returns for a third year, with big name talent Jessica Mauboy leading the one-day festival lineup performing alongside established and emerging artists King Stingray, Northeast Party House, Alex Lahey and Carp Factory.
The cracking festival is hosted on Yorta Yorta country in the regional town of Deniliquin – the festival site grounds are home to the famous Deni Ute Muster.
Play on the Plains festival is a fantastic form of support for young Australians living in regional and rural Victoria and New South Wales to gain access to and experience performances by musicians who might not otherwise make it to these smaller towns.
The festival takes place on Saturday, 11th March, just off Conargo Road, with gates opening at 12pm and the final act closing out the stage at 10.30pm. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.
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Jessica Mauboy
With her superb latest single Automatic adding to her plethora of previous hits, Jessica Mauboy continues to be a powerhouse role model in the music industry as a remarkable performer and a proud First Nations woman.
2023 is looking to be another massive year for Mauboy as she sets off on tour the length and breadth of Australia in February, with her stopover in Deniliquin marking her fifth live performance.
King Stingray
King Stingray is a five-piece Yolŋu (Indigenous people of northeast Arnhem Land) and balanda (non-Indigenous) surf rock band making serious waves across the land.
Listening to King Stingray, you can hear the connection to country and family in the lyrics, and the musicians’ brilliant playing will have you embodying that connection alongside your fellow punters in no time.
Northeast Party House
The crew from NPH are hot on the heels of every number-one song on the radio, and they’re not giving up on the chase.
With at least nine live shows announced for this year already across the east coast of Australia and across the pond in New Zealand and Indonesia, this act is one to catch when you can.
Pop on their Cranky Boy remixes and ready yourself for the absolute joy and delight of a Northeast Party House live performance.
Alex Lahey
Alternative rock singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, down-to-earth angel, and all-around wholesome human Alex Lahey will be blessing the Play on the Plains mainstage this year.
A truly special live act to experience and one not to miss. Lahey has a chockablock calendar for 2023, featuring on the lineup for Dylan Alcott’s Ability Fest and as a special guest on Peking Duk’s recently announced National tour.
Carp Factory
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Melbourne garage-punk four-piece band Carp Factory will grace the stage with their tongue-in-cheek lyrics and raw, energetic presence.
Debuting at The Workers Club in Fitzroy back in July 2021, the boys are making their mark on the scene for all the right reasons. So what are you waiting for? Carp Diem (sorry) and grab a ticket here.
Battle of the bands
In addition to these five acts is the inaugural youth battle of the bands competition, open to all local primary and secondary students. Whether in a band or an aspiring solo artist, this is your chance to enter the spotlight. Cash prizes are on offer, as is the opportunity to win $750 worth of Music Equipment, sponsored by Deniliquin Nextra. How good is that!
The all-ages festival welcomes adults, youth and families to enjoy themselves. Discounted tickets are available for children under 13 years old at just $20 (additional booking fee applies), and general admission tickets are $120. At that price, you’ve got a bargain to see five upcoming and well-loved acts perform for you and your mates in an outdoor setting.
Accessibility and inclusivity are at the forefront of the festival organisers’ minds, with companion cards offered free of charge to ensure that every ability and need of the attending punters are met. In addition, the festival grounds facilitate sun safety and protection with sail-shade structures for you to relax under.
You can expect all the usual amenities from this beautiful one-dayer, including great food and drink options and some fun additions such as beach volleyball and a silent disco. If you’d like to make a weekend out of it, camping options are available on-site.
Car parking is free, and there are shuttle services and buses from nearby towns provided for free, giving you every excuse to let loose and enjoy yourself, knowing you’ve got a safe and guaranteed way home. Serviced towns include Echuca, Moama, Mathoura, Picnic Point, Hay, Cobram, Barooga, Tocumwal, Yarrawonga, Finley, Koondrook, Barham, and Wakool.
There is a Zero Tolerance approach for any antisocial, aggressive, dangerous or intimidating behaviour. You can reach out to the festival organisers with any accessibility questions.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your tickets now before they all sell out via Oztix.
This article was made in partnership with Play on the Plains.
