LIMESTONE Coast residents will soak up the Red Hot Summer Tour in sunny but mild weather conditions on Sunday, with Hunters and Collectors headlining the mammoth touring festival.
However, Mount Gambier will not be immune from the extremes of summer, with preparations at the Mount Gambier Old Gaol site postponed as organisers prioritised site works ahead of tomorrow’s Bendigo show where the mercury will climb well into the 30s for the third consecutive day.
Despite the late change in plans, all remains on track for over 4500 people to flood the Old Gaol site for the sold-out performance, with James Reyne, The
Living End, Baby Animals, Killing Heidi and Boom Crash Opera among the Australian rock royalty on show.
Mount Gambier Old Gaol owner Jamie Stephenson said the late logistical change provided a challenge but was all part of the show.
“This is where the organisation comes into it and why it takes me a year to get it set up so if something like this does happen I am prepared and ready to go,” Mr Stephenson said.
Now in its fifth year at the venue, Mr Stephenson said residents in the area could expect to see trucks and preparation works from today.
“There is quite a lot of preparation for these events such as staging, trucks and staff as well as toilets, lights, security and more,” he said.
“We do work on the preparations all year round which includes discussing the following year, communicating with Mount Gambier City Council and organising other logistics of the show.
“But the main thing we really focus on is ensuring the safety of all attendees.”
Mr Stephenson said patron safety was the number one priority, with the people’s enjoyment the pay off for all the hard work.
“The main reason I do this is to put smiles on local faces,” he said.
“To be able to bring this to Mount Gambier allows them to forget their day, their year or whatever is troubling them and gives them a chance to sit down and have a sing to songs they grew up with.
“Obstacles are all part and parcel of running such large shows and that is what gives me the buzz to go again and just to try and enjoy the moment instead of getting upset and losing focus.”
Mr Stephenson said he was geared up for another successful day.
“We are looking at a cooler weather change as well which will be a welcome relief for the attendees,” he said.
“Usually when we have the event it is a very hot day, but this year it will be a bit better.”
Mr Stephenson also called on the community to help maintain the grounds by acting responsibly and disposing of waste correctly.
“We do ask that people are responsible, clean up after themselves, look out for those around them and drink responsibly,” he said.
“At the end of the day it is about the music.”
The Red Hot Summer Tour kicks off Sunday with gates opening at 1.30pm.
