Gates Are Open, Heavens Have Closed At CMC Rocks 2022
"Everyone was kind to each other and let the CMC Rocks sprit shine through the storm."
Main stages as the rain rolled in (Credit: Stephen Green)
The gates are open and the party has started at CMC Rocks 2022 after campers who got there early endured an unexpected storm the night before Australia's most celebrated country music festival.
With Thursday 'Campers Night' in full swing with killer sets from the likes of Blanco Brown and Amy Sheppard, the heavens decided to open up for one more round after some rain earlier in the week had set organisers nerves on edge.
It was a case of mud and puddles for a few unlucky campers, with many campers taking to their cars for the night to ride out the storm. With some issues at some camping grounds and a bit more mud than usual to contend with, the forecast is bright, with a sunny weekend expected to dry out the downpour.
Even the superstars couldn't escape the mud, with Blanco Brown taking a tumble, but taking it all in good humour.
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Organisers took to Facebook this morning to reassure punters that while more caution than usual was needed, the event's first day ready to rumble and the site was expected to dry out as the weekend progresses.
We want to thank all our staff and campers for being absolute troopers through the weather last night. Everyone was kind to each other and let the CMC Rocks sprit shine through the storm. There is plenty of sunshine on the way, however the campgrounds will need some time to soak up the water. Please be mindful of this as you get around and avoid any unnecessary movement. For any assistance you can text our help line on 0482082812. Cracking weather on the way - let’s do this!
The CMC spirit was indeed in full flight, with locals (even some not attending the festival) taking to social media offering to collect, dry and return belongings for those campers who have waterlogged gear. Most punters were quick to help, but remind people that it's not the first CMC in the mud and it likely won't be the last. The crowd are there for live music and live music is what they'll get over the next three days.
The fun kicks off today with headliners Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen and Lee Kernaghan, before the weekend brings Morgan Evans, Blanco Brown, Mackenzie Porter, Breland, Brad Cox and Niko Moon, before country royalty Brad Paisley closes proceedings on Sunday night with a much-anticipated set.
CMC Rocks has had three and a half years in the dressing shed after COVID wreaked havoc with the live music industry, but country fans are heralding this year's event as a return for country music. With Luke Combs tour selling out in minutes and country music in the mainstream charts once more, it's never been a better time for the genre as it continues its meteoric rise in Australia.
Let's hope that forecast of sunshine holds... Viva la live country music!
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