Central Otago talent impressed the nearly 1000 people who attended the Bannockburn Music Festival on Saturday.
The event, which ran for about 12 hours, attracted families, youths and grandparents.
Older generations expressed surprise at how many skilled musicians hailed from the region, an organiser said.
Wade Hutchinson said positive comments about the musicians were common afterwards. Held in a new location this year, at the Cromwell Racecourse, the festival was ''fantastic'' during the day and at night, he said.
The festival's inaugural event last year was held at the Bannockburn Hotel. The new venue allowed for more people, about 1500, which would remain the cap in coming years.
''We loved the venue. From when we were setting up and when the event was running, it worked really well.''
Trees at the racecourse provided shade for patrons during the day, when temperatures reached about 32degC, and facilities at the racecourse, such as toilets, were handy.
Organisers had hoped 1000 people would attend the festival, and, including band members and staff, almost reached their target.
Overall, the crowd was well-behaved, Mr Hutchinson said.
''It was a very chilled day. A good family atmosphere with all the kids.''
One person was escorted from the event after being caught smuggling alcohol in over a fence.
Entry fees for the concert were $5 per person. Organisers hoped to keep the cost down in future years.
''We want to keep it accessible for people. Make it affordable and people come.''
The event was given a $2000 grant by the Central Lakes Community Arts Trust which helped to cover costs.
Bands performed for free. However, Mr Hutchinson said if there was any money left over after events, organisers would like to pay them.
Donations were also collected by organisers and the nearly $1200 raised would be given to the Rachel Clark Memorial Trust.
Next year, the event will be run under a name more suitable to the new location - the ''River Range Music Festival''.
