Despite the drizzly weather, the Ridin' Hearts Festival brought its high-octane country charm to the Sydney Showground on Saturday. Featuring fresh local country talent to international headliners, there was no way the weather was going to dampen the mood with this enthusiastic crowd. This one-day event has cemented itself as a favourite among country fans since its inaugural event in 2023.
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The energy in the air was contagious as a mix of seasoned fans and newcomers gathered to celebrate the lineup. The festival kicked off strong with rising talents, and as the day progressed, the performances only intensified. Each artist brought something unique to the stage, from raw acoustic ballads to electrifying anthems. Line dancing made its debut at this year's festival, proving to be very popular with the crowd at the Lone Spur.
The first artist of the day was Mackay local, Bella Mackenzie, who released her first original song in 2020 and was a semi-finalist on The Voice Australia in 2023. Following Bella was Austin Snell, who brought his unique ‘grunge country’ fusion, giving his set an edgy intensity that added a modern twist to the traditional country lineup.
As the afternoon rolled on, Casey Barnes (who was awarded the ARIA Award for Best Country Album in 2022) took the stage with his signature Aussie charm and hit-making prowess, while Tanner Adell brought a vibrant, dynamic performance that blended her Southern roots with a fresh perspective.
Later, Canadian artist Mackenzie Porter entertained the crowd with her shimmering vocals, blending country pop with heartfelt storytelling. Josh Ross then delivered a soulful, intense set, showcasing the raspy vocals and power ballads that have skyrocketed his popularity on both sides of the Pacific.
Cooper Alan, with his entertaining, high-energy performance, proved why he’s a social media sensation, engaging the audience with hits that mixed humour, heart, and an undeniable party vibe.
By the time headliner Riley Green took the stage, the crowd was in full swing, basking in the late-evening ambience under the open sky. Making his Australian debut, Riley’s set was a masterclass in classic country, balancing rowdy anthems with reflective ballads and ending the night with a 'shooey'.
Beyond the music, the festival atmosphere itself was an experience. Market stalls offered eclectic finds, from vintage vinyl to handcrafted boots, while food vendors made sure no one went hungry, with everything from smoky barbecue to vegan tacos. The silent disco added a surprising twist, as fans danced to their own beat in vibrant, LED-lit headphones.
For anyone looking to dip their toes into the genre or for devoted fans who know their country roots, Ridin' Hearts delivered on all fronts and is a reminder of why country music has found a growing fanbase in Australia.
The next stop for the festival is the Carribean Gardens in Melbourne on Sunday 3 November, 2024.