Paddock gonna party like it’s 1999

PARTY in the Paddock is set to go out on a high note with February’s edition of the festival the last ever.

Organisers yesterday announced via social media that the 2020 edition of the popular contemporary music festival at White Hills near Launceston would be the last.

“We believe PITP is at the top of its game and ‘only the good die young’,” the posts to Instagram and Facebook read.

Founder and artistic director Jesse Higgs told the Mercury the event started out as his birthday party.

“I always wanted to start a music festival because of my love of music, but also my love for bringing people together,” he said.

“Did I think it could have done what it has done? No, it was a constant humbling surprise.”

Mr Higgs said making the call to end the festival was one of the hardest decisions of organisers’ lives.

“It feels like we’re saying goodbye to a dear old friend, a loved one … like we’re putting down the family dog … But we’ve had to be really honest with ourselves about the amount of energy and passion that goes into making PITP special every year.

“We’re ready to tackle new and exciting projects. All things must at some point come to an end and we want the most special project of our lives, to go out on top.”

Mr Higgs said he was most proud of the festival’s social and environmental conscience, inclusivity and sense of community.

Yesterday’s announcement drew thousands of Facebook comments from supporters.

Since its first edition in 2013, the festival has given local artists a platform and attracted big names in Australian music. About 7500 punters turned up last year to see international pop royalty including Lily Allen and Yungblud and Australian legends The Presets and Vera Blue. Party in the Paddock 2020 will feature Matt Corby, Broods, Jack River and Hermitude.