From Ross Wilson and the Peaceniks, the Day On The Green crowd danced and sang their way through his well-loved songs, to Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, then onto Daryl Braithwaite who had the audience swaying and singing to hits including Horses and Rise, with the evening wrapping up with The Voice – John Farnham.

All artists at the Peterson’s Winery show were treated to cheers and sing-alongs from the appreciative crowd.

Few stayed in their seats when Farnham finished his set with Long Way To The Top, after working his way through his hits from You’re The Voice to Man of the Hour and everything in between.

A Day On The Green promoter Michael Newton said the crowd topped 5000 people this year, with the venue comfortably holding about 8000.

“I felt the day went really well with no problems, and the show ran beautifully,” he said.

“All the artists were really happy and we had beautiful weather – it was lots of fun.”

Mr Newton said the event had booked out accommodation in Armidale, and the city would stay on its calendar in years to come.

“The winery was very happy and it is just a site that works really well. Logistically, access in and out of the site is easy and the way the ground slopes to the stage works well.”

The day didn’t run as smoothly for Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, with Qantas misplacing their instruments on the flight from Sydney to Armidale.

“They turned up to the venue after they played,” Mr Newton said.

“This is the third time it’s happened in Armidale that Qantas have lost luggage. For it to happen a third time is pretty damning on their behalf, but the only other way you could do it (get the band’s gear to the site) would be road-freight it.”

For those concerned about the unavailability of wine by the bottle after 4.30pm, Mr Newton said it was a requirement of their licence.

“Police won’t allow bottles after 4.30pm, but there is service by the (plastic) glass,” he said.

“I know it’s inconvenient to patrons, but that’s what they want. We have to talk to the police about possibly changing that next year, but it wasn’t our call.” 

Music fans now await the announcement of artists for next year’s event in Armidale.