ROCK and roll was broadcast from the heart of the Blue Lake city on Saturday as thousands of people sang along to the Red Hot Summer Tour’s blockbuster line-up.
With a record crowd of over 4500 people in attendance, Old Mount Gambier Gaol operator James Stephenson said the event was a roaring success.
As a “central hub” between Adelaide and Melbourne, Mr Stephenson said it “makes sense” to host major musical events and acts such as the tour in Mount Gambier.
“This event is a major economy boost to the town,” he said.
“We decided to start and finish the tour earlier this year with the plan for patrons to flood into South East pubs, restaurants and facilities and help support our local businesses.
“From reports this was a success with large numbers out and about over the evening.”
Mr Stephenson said people travelled from as far as New South Wales, Perth and Geelong to attend the event.
“I think a lot of people made a holiday out of it and stayed in Mount Gambier for longer than the weekend,” he said.
“I know a lot of the other Red Hot Summer Tour tickets sold out quicker than ours which opened the doors for people to make the trip down here.
“It just creates a domino effect of positivity for all involved.”
With next year being Mount Gambier’s fifth year to host the event, Mr Stephenson said organisers were going to give it “one more go”.
“The musician we are looking at headlining next year is someone who has not come down here before,” he said.
“As the tour focuses on 70’s, 80’s and some 90’s rock music, we will change the line-up a bit just to keep it interesting.”
Mr Stephenson said it is a “no brainer” that people should continue to support major musical acts when visiting the region.
“It is a coup for the region and we need to keep things like this going,” he said.
“I would love to see some other people step up to the challenge and think outside the box as to what we should do next.
“It is rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces over the day and if it was not for the patrons’ support the event would not have been as successful as it was.”
Mount Gambier Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Chris King said all patrons were well-behaved over the day with no arrests or evictions made.
“We were pretty pleased with the behaviour of everyone in attendance,” he said.
