Party in the Paddock Draws Record 14,000 Attendees, Co-founder Steps Down
The annual Party in the Paddock music festival recently concluded at Quercus Park, near Carrick in Tasmania, attracting a record 14,000 attendees over its four-day duration. This year marked 13 years of growth for the event, which has evolved from its origins as a backyard gathering into a significant cultural highlight for the state. Co-founder Jesse Higgs also announced his departure from the festival after this year.
Record Attendance and Sold-Out Packages
Held on the banks of the Liffey River, the festival recorded an attendance of 14,000 individuals. This figure represents an increase of 1,000 attendees from the previous year. A notable 10% of participants traveled from interstate and overseas to attend the event.
Prior to the festival's commencement, several premium options had completely sold out, including four-day passes, VIP camping upgrades, Thursday day tickets, and glamping packages. However, multi-day camping and standard day tickets remained available for purchase.
From Backyard Gathering to Cultural Cornerstone
Co-founder Jesse Higgs launched Party in the Paddock in 2011 with the stated goal of creating a local music festival to showcase Tasmanian artists. The inaugural event attracted approximately 480 people, a stark contrast to this year's record numbers.
Festival director Ryan Limb noted that the event's growth had far exceeded initial expectations, attributing some of this expansion to marketing initiatives conducted across the country. Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlett further underscored the festival's importance, recognizing it as a significant attraction for Tasmania.
Tourism, Hospitality and Events Minister Jane Howlett recognized the festival as a significant attraction for Tasmania.
Diverse Lineup Across Six Stages
The 2024 lineup featured an extensive array of over 180 acts, with approximately half of these being Tasmanian artists. International headliners gracing the stages included Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Sofi Tukker, alongside Australian favorites like Ocean Alley.
The festival utilized six distinct stages:
- Vibestown
- The Bigtop
- The Bullpen
- Silvertongue
- Little Island Rising
- The Paddock Stage
The Paddock Stage hosted performances from well-known acts such as The Veronicas, The Temper Trap, Flight Facilities, Peking Duk, Ball Park Music, Peach PRC, Mallrat, Genesis Owusu, Dune Rats, Baker Boy, and Ruby Fields. Meanwhile, the Vibestown Stage showcased alternative and indie artists, featuring acts like Glass Media, Krystal Rivvers, Radium Dolls, The Belair Lip Bombs, and Mia Wray.
Beyond music, The Bullpen offered unique experiences, including the Doof Stick Pageant and a Bull Riding Competition. The Silvertongue Stage provided a platform for comedy acts and artist interviews.
Tasmanian singer-songwriter Sam McMeekin earned a coveted performance slot after winning triple j Unearthed’s Party In The Paddock competition. The Little Island Rising stage was dedicated to featuring other emerging Tasmanian talent throughout the weekend. A musical recovery session, featuring four artists, was also scheduled for Monday morning at the Little Island stage.
Extensive Operations and Safety Measures
The preparation for this large-scale event was a significant undertaking, involving four weeks of work. The operational team comprised a staff complement of 180 individuals, nearly 500 volunteers, and approximately 400 additional crew members.
Tasmania Police maintained a high-visibility presence throughout the festival to ensure public safety. This included increased traffic management and random breath testing operations to manage attendee flow and maintain order.
Co-founder Jesse Higgs Steps Down
Jesse Higgs confirmed that this latest edition of Party in the Paddock would be his final event as co-founder. Reflecting on the festival's journey, Higgs commented that its success was a clear indicator of the growing momentum within Tasmania's music scene.
Higgs commented that the festival's success reflected momentum within Tasmania's music scene.