Iconic Outback festival goes online

The iconic Deni Ute Muster is back on again for 2020, albeit in a much different format than in previous years.

Organisers had pulled the pin a few months back on Australia’s biggest celebration of utes – and rural Australian culture – due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But this week there was dust flying, engines roaring, flags waving and tinnies raised in salute of the fact that the muster, which has been around since 1999 and is held in the small country town of Deniliquin, New South Wales, will go ahead.

Well, virtually.

In past years, the Deni muster has drawn thousands of people and their utes, both big and small, from all around the country, with a number of competitions and prizes run across the two-day event.

There’s also been live music, on-site camping, rides, wood-chopping demonstrations, and more.

For 2020, however, organisers have now confirmed that the show will go on, but only as a virtual event online.

Confirmed to take place is a virtual Show N Shine, as well as the annual Blue Singlet Count and Ute Count.

There’s also a bunch of cash and merchandise prizes to be won, with winners announced on the Deni Ute Muster Facebook page.

People wanting to join in the fun or read more about it, can click here to be in the running for prizes – and to keep in the spirit of the muster as they plan their trek to Deniliquin next year (scheduled Oct 1-2, 2021).