The Bend Classic brings boys from the bush to Tailem town
The Bend Motorsport Park has held its first country-themed festival in 2024, with more than 26,000 cowboys and cowgirls in attendance.
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The Bend Classic, held at the motor sport park at the Bend over the weekend, has drawn an impressive crowd of 26,868, making history as the largest country music event in South Australia.
The three-day event kicked off on Friday, with a thrilling "bull throttle" rodeo and an impressive daring motorcycle stunt show setting the tone for an action-packed weekend.
With more than 2500 campers settling into their dedicated areas, the festival attracted fans from across the country.
Saturday’s country music lineup, headlined by legends Lee Kernaghan, Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, and rising star Brad Cox, had the crowd in a frenzy, cementing the Bend Classic as a major event on the country music calendar.
Kernaghan said he was equally impressed with the attendance, the crowd and the venue.
“What an epic event this is, we’re so proud to be a part of this inaugural Bend Classic festival with the country show" he said.
"What a vision, what an event, what a place."
Alongside the music, the festival featured a nostalgic mix of drag racing, circuit racing and a lively ute muster.
Food and drinks were plentiful, with more than 4000 buckets of chips consumed, and festival-goers were praised for their exemplary behavior.
The free on-site shuttle buses were well used; Elisa Agnew; Karen Krollig, Sandy Przibilla, and Bea Stevenson; Rising star, Brad Cox centre stage; Craig Przibilla; Wayne Williams about to take his new company ride a 1999 Dodge Viper GTS-R for a fast lap; Chantelle Naylor with Luke “Chappy” Chapman; Lee Kernaghan on guitar and Kasey Chambers. Photos: Glenn Power.
Kasey Chambers said it had been one of her favourite gigs this year.
"We had so much fun, I got to sing with one of my best friends of all time, Beccy Cole," she said.
"She played before me and I came out and sang with her and then she came
out and sang with me.
"We had a good cry and it was awesome, we just had the best time."
The free on-site shuttle buses made it easy for fans to explore all corners of the motorsport park and entertainment precinct, ensuring a seamless experience.
With the success of the first Bend Classic, venue CEO Alistair MacDonald said he was already looking to expand the event in 2025, promising even more action and fun for country music and motor sport lovers alike.
“We are absolutely over the moon with the way crowds from across the country have embraced this event and travelled to our Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region to enjoy some truly world-class entertainment,” he said.
“When we conceptualised this event, we firmly believed that there was something in the growing Australian country music scene and the people have spoken with their feet, so we can’t wait to see just how far we can take the Bend Classic next year and beyond.
“We have never done an event of this kind, and we just need to commend all who attended, particularly those who camped, for collectively creating an enjoyable atmosphere for anyone who walked through the gates.
“See you next year.”
Lee Kernaghan rocking out on stage was later joined by Beccy Cole; also there were Olivia, her mum Adella and dad Lachie Watt, all of Woods Point. Photo: Glenn Power.
