The 2025 Deni Ute Muster has broken all possible records.
As well as being the first ever muster to sell-out before the event started, both the Ute Count and Blue Singlet Count set records.
An enthusiastic crowd of about 22,000 people — plus 1000 volunteers — flocked to the event on October 3 and 4.
The Ute Count record, unbroken for more than a decade, was smashed by almost 1000 — with 10,811 utes counted in the official ute paddock.
Before Saturday, the record was the 2013 count of 9736.
It’s been a hard one to beat in the past 12 years as more people favour the camping spots outside the ute paddock.
The Blue Singlet Count was up by almost 600 on the record set in 2023.
Replacing the 4376 count from that year was an impressive 4961 people wearing the trademark bluey this year.
They filed into the count area in front of the main stage from about 1pm on Saturday, and a reward for their patience was a live performance by The Wiggles soon after.
Deni Ute Muster general manager Vicky Lowry said it was an amazing result all round.
“To see our first ever fully sold-out Deni Ute Muster come to life has been nothing short of extraordinary,” she said.
“In excess of 22,000 people came together to celebrate everything that makes this festival so special, from the music and the utes to the community spirit that defines Deniliquin.
“The energy across the site was electric all weekend, and the records broken show just how much this event continues to grow.
“It’s a true team effort, of which I’m so proud of everyone involved in delivering the Deni Ute Muster and thankful for the ongoing support that makes it possible.
“This year will be remembered as a milestone in muster history.
“We cannot wait to welcome everyone back in 2026 for an even bigger celebration on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3.”
A huge day and evening musical line-up contributed to the appeal of the event, including American artists Jackson Dean and weekend headliners Zac Brown Band.
Add to the mix the biggest ever Around the Ground schedule, ute competitions and more, and you have a winning combination.
The Deni and district community was specifically celebrating the results of the Walkabout Services Show ‘n Shine, which saw local Allie Williams claim People’s Choice Ute of the Year with her bright pink 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500.
And Deniliquin’s own Jackson Jefferies elicited cheers from the crowd as he took part in the bull ride, placing fourth in second division on day two.