Sizzling performances at 2015 Deni Ute Muster

It is hard not to love the concept underlying the annual Deni Ute Muster in Deniliquin NSW.

Headlined by the invasion of thousands of uniquely Australian interpretations of what a ute should be, the Deni Ute Muster is part of the Play on the Plains Festival and attracts crowds from all over the country.

It is known for its frivolous, macho outback atmosphere including whip-cracking and wood chopping competitions, bull-riding, barrel races, International Wrestling Australia  (IWA) pro wrestling and, naturally, ute-centric events such as go-to-whoa competitions and the Australian National Circle Work Championships.

Headline events in the 2015 Ute Muster, conducted on Friday October 2 and Saturday October 3, included the blue singlet count, which this year created a new world record with no less than 3959 singlet-clad bodies on hand, while the inaugural Milwaukee Tradie Challenge saw four teams compete to build the ultimate outdoor dunny with locals Poo Shack Constructions (Alistair McCann, Brody Lumbar, Darcy Pogue and Tom Draffin) taking out the $4000 cash prize.

For the 17th running of the event, the Ute Muster was conducted against a background of live music with iconic Australian band Cold Chisel leading the charge in an onslaught that included Lee Kernaghan, The Pigs, The Wolfe Brothers, Morgan Evans and Birds of Tokyo performing on Friday and Saturday nights before crowds of more than 18,000 people.

"We promise our patrons a 'bucket list' experience and this year excelled on all fronts. The weather was spectacular as was the music and on ground entertainment" said Deni Ute Muster general manager Kate Pitt.

"We're already planning our 18th birthday celebrations and look forward to our first announcement in the coming months."

She also acknowledged strategic partner Destination NSW, event partners, Deniliquin Council and Conargo Shire Council, plus major sponsors Holden, Bundaberg, Decentralised Demountables, IGA, XXXX Gold and Milwaukee Tools.

Although this year's event was described by some as more subdued than previous musters, with less of the typical late-night revving sessions and general rowdiness, as well as fewer attending utes (although 5988 is still an impressive figure), the organisers say the hot, fine weather, crowd enthusiasm and ongoing entertainment made it highly successful.

The 2015 Deni Ute Muster saw family camping zones with sites for 5000 caravans, camper trailers and mobile homes sold out months in advance.

Photos@www.facebook.com/deniutemuster