While scorching temperatures may have stifled numbers on Peel Street over the opening weekend that same hot weather could be paying dividends for local establishments.
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While stallholders on the main street suggested numbers were “about the same” as previous years, local venues are reporting “stellar crowds.”
Welder’s Dog operator Ben Coombes has been run off his feet ever since the crowds hit town at the end of last week, and is anticipating the thirsty throng won’t be quenched until early next week.
“It has been massive here, much bigger than last year which is great,” he said.
“It really ramps up in the afternoons and carries on into the nights – and a really great crowd too.
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Across the road Tamworth Hotel publican Luke Prout had a strikingly similar appraisal of crowds.
“The heat certainly tried to stifle the lunch trade, but overall we were well up on last year,” he said.
“The crowds were very well behaved and friendly – it was a top weekend.”
Meanwhile on Peel Street Tudor Hotel manager Carla Chudleigh believes that the hot conditions had been driving people through the doors on the search for air-conditioning and a cold drink.
“Foot traffic seems to be down on the street a little, but we have had good crowds so far,” she said.
“About average on last year, although we are expecting that to build all week into a really big long weekend.”
Council’s country music manager Barry Harley agreed.
“It is always difficult to get an exact count although the numbers at the concerts in the park are always a good indicator and they were very well attended,” he said.
“The heat has impacted people on the street, although most venues are reporting good numbers.”
Mr Harley said that over 10,000 people attended Friday night’s opening concert, while over 6000 attended Saturday’s kid’s concert, before 9000 flooded the park for Star Maker on Sunday.
On the street Ozhat Akubra stall holder Bruce Gould has been coming for 27 years and is optimistic of having “a good year” after being moved from Fitzroy to Peel Street for the first time.
“Numbers looked about average compared to previous years,” he said.
“I think council have their finger on the pulse – you can’t help the heat but people will come out anyway because that’s what it’s all about.”
