If you look at the incredible lineup of Deni Blues & Roots Festival you’re bound to see some similarities to that of this year’s Bluesfest bill.
But this festival isn’t just another Bluesfest, although if there was one festival you should to aspire to choosing the Byron Bay event probably wouldn’t be a bad choice.
While sharing similar great names Deni differentiates itself by offering the unique location of southern NSW.
Taking advantage of the site that holds the annual Deni Ute Muster, the area has seen millions of dollars spent in staging and lighting infrastructure over the years.
Another striking difference is the huge community involvement that Deniliquin gives the event. Bolstered by an army of local volunteers and support from local businesses few other festivals are as friendly and welcoming as this one.
With a successful first year in 2013, which saw the likes of Santana, Status Quo, Jason Mraz, Chris Isaak and Bonnie Raitt to name just a few, the event cemented itself by taking out the Best Festival Award at the Inland Tourism awards in early 2014.
While it’s early days yet under the guidance of co-pomoter and industry stalwart Michael Chugg there’s no telling just how soon the festival will become as much of a draw card as the area’s trademark Ute Muster.
If they keep attracting the same quality big names, while providing a first class festival experience we’re betting it will be sooner rather than later.
Lineup
Legendary singer-songwriter Elvis Costello and his band The Imposters lead this huge lineup with the likes of Boz Scaggs, Michael Franti and Spearhead and Steve Earle and The Dukes following suit.
Bob Marley’s The Wailers, ‘Your Body Is A Wonderland’ singer John Mayer, American rockers The Doobie Brothers, 12-piece Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeroes, Texan guitarist Gary Clark Jr. and more will hit up Deni for this music extravaganza.
Check out the full lineup here.
Where And When
Over the Easter weekend of the 19th and 20th of April the festival will take place just off Conargo Road, Deniliquin in NSW
How To Get There
Located just outside of Deniliquin punters have several options in getting to the event.
There are few major airports nearby and ticket holders will have to drive from some point to the festival.
From Melbourne punters can hire a car and take the three and half hour journey to Deniliquin, while those from up north can catch a shorter flight to Canberra, but risk the five hour drive to the festival site.
Where To Stay
Deni Blues & Roots Festival is a camping event with the site accessible from noon Good Friday until noon Easter Monday.
The camping passes must be purchased separately. The general camping pass will set you back $30 with all gear BYO. A Platinum Campsite is valued at $100 and is only available to mobile homes and caravans. These sites are powered.
A two person VIP Campsite include a tent, mattress, battery-powered lamp while sleeping bags and bedding is BYO. This will set you back $350.
A four person VIP Campsite is the same as above with the price sitting at $700.
Alternatively you can find accommodation in Deniliquin if there are still vacancies available.
How To Get Tickets
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketek or the official festival website, with the latter needing registration prior to purchase.
Two day passes are valued at $249 for those aged 17 years and over, while 14-17 year olds can purchase these passes for $125 each. A two-day family pass for two adults and two juniors is worth $699.
Single day tickets are also available with adult passes valued at $150 and juniors at $75. A family day pass will set you back $425.
Get your Deni Blues & Roots tickets here!
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
While the festival runs from the 19th to the 20th we recommend you travel down the day earlier to get yourself a prime camping spot. As the campsite is open all of Easter Weekend there’s no need to rush in leaving either. You’ve got until noon Easter Monday to head off.
With only a few EFTPOS facilities at the festival site, it’s best you get sufficient cash out before you get there to avoid any troubles.
The camping area is an alcohol free zone, however you can bring your own food into the site, just not into the festival area.
While bringing your own food will save you some money, don’t forget to check out the food stalls at the festival. You’ll get to sample all the local goods with a few cheese stalls on offer as well.
Ticket holders will have to leave their beloved pets at home as well. If you’re thinking about buying tickets make sure you get a pet sitter organized as well. Service dogs are allowed into the site though.
The festival not only highlights international stars, but also the Deni Uke Muster, a group of over 50 active ukulele players. Their program involves covers of the likes of Paul Kelly, Jason Mraz, The Waifs, Kasey Chambers, The Beach Boys and Vance Joy amongst others.
You can check out the 2014 playing times here.
For more details head to the official Deni Blues & Roots Festival website.
