Music Muster attracts big crowd to Cotton Capital

After a three-year delay due to COVID restrictions and floods, the Wee Waa Cotton Capital Country Music Muster was back with a bang in 2023 thanks to its dedicated committee and helpers.

Kicking off on Friday night May 12, the popular event attracted tourists and locals to the Wee Waa showground for a weekend of entertainment from May 12 to 14.

“We were very happy,” said one of the committee members Kay Gray.

“We had lovely weather and more than 100 caravans turned up – they just kept coming.

“We didn’t think we’d get 60 caravans, so it was very good.

“There were people who came from Tasmania and South Australia, and a good contingent from Gunnedah and Narrabri too.

“We’d like to thank everyone who helped, the artists and everyone who attended.

“Right from the word go it’s been about attracting people to town, to boost morale and we started it to bring new people into town when everyone was struggling with the drought in 2017.

“A lot of the travellers want to help small towns.”

Mrs Gray said there was a “happy and friendly atmosphere” at the event with many attendees thrilled to finally get to be part of the Muster weekend after previous cancellations.

As well as a stellar line-up of music and artists, the crowd loved the Wee Waa Lions Club’s cooking – enjoying the true bush experience of a camp oven dinner and a yarn with the local chefs.

“The meals were great; everyone was happy and well fed,” said Mrs Gray.

“People enjoyed sitting back and listening to music but we also had some dancers.

“The walk-ups were great, there was a good line-up on Friday night.

“And people said they’d be back next year, so that’s great.”

Mrs Gray thanked the generous sponsors, her fellow committee members and everyone who ‘gave a helping hand’ including her family.

“We dragged them into help too,” she added.

The committee praised the groups and volunteers who made the event such a success.

From the audio team to photographer John Burgess who gave his time to capture moments, and David Johnston for keeping everyone warm with his fire pit.

“Destination NSW who have been really supportive of rural events over the last few years.

“The team at The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal have had to put up with us for three years now, they have been very generous with their time and support to ensure we can make use of the grant to help fund the event.