Azzies celebrate love of ‘utes’
Deniliquin – Thousands of revellers have flocked to the rural Australian town of Deniliquin in a rowdy celebration of their love of utility vehicles and the outback, with whip-cracking and bull-riding contests among the highlights.
The Deni Ute Muster, which celebrated its 20th anniversary at the weekend, is the biggest festival of its kind in the world.
It draws about 20 000 revellers and 6 000 utility vehicles – known locally as “utes” – from across the vast continent to the small town of Deniliquin, about 700km southwest of Sydney.
The two-day event has outlasted other festivals held in Australia by embracing the nation’s rural heritage, including the ubiquitous ute commonly used on farms.