Festival a wonder in 20th year
FOR Whitsunday couple Mark and Kylie Shepherd-Smith, Wintermoon has become an unmissable tradition.
Ms Shepherd-Smith said their daughter was just one year old at their first festival eight years ago.
"We couldn't believe the number of people that came, the quality of the music and how well it was organised and set out," she said.
Set in the picturesque Cameron's Pocket, Mr Shepherd-Smith said the peaceful setting was one of the highlights every year.
"I think that's half of what makes it work so well," he said.
"The creek and the serenity of it all is just amazing."
Now in its 20th year, the 2016 festival attracted a sell-out crowd.
Despite the burgeoning numbers, Mr Shepherd-Smith said it had lost none of its intimate vibe.
"They're always trying to do new things, which is always nice, but they always keep that relaxed, folky feel about it," he said.
With the family and their friends having a 2016 theme of ABC - anything but clothes - their "Camp Kaos" was a riot of interesting and unusual attire.
Throughout the long weekend, they were joined by a diverse crowd, ranging from young families, to grey nomads, teenagers and everyone in between.
Featuring live performances, workshops, market stalls and food and drink, the atmospheric festival has hosted dozens of artists, including many up-and-coming singer-songwriters, over the past two decades.
St Helen's Creek was once again a popular attraction, with families escaping the humidity for a refreshing dip.
Mr Shepherd-Smith said the cool waters were one of their favourite aspects of the event, loving being able to "get in and have a bit of a cool down".
Heavy rain turned much of the festival and its campgrounds into a mud bath before the weekend, but by Saturday the ground had largely dried out and the heat kicked up a notch.
Various attendees, artists and stallholders told the Whitsunday Times it was one of the best Wintermoons they had attended.
And one thing's for sure, the Shepherd-Smith family will be back again next year.
"It's the one event that, honestly, every year we look forward to," Mr Shepherd-Smith said.
"If there is one thing we put on the calendar straight up, it's always Wintermoon."
"100 %, I can see our kids going when they're older with their families," Ms Shepherd-Smith added.
The family highly commended the festival organisers, volunteers, the SES and the medical team for their selfless efforts.
