Adelaide Unleashed pins hopes on better weather after Waymouth St washout

Organisers have pinned their hopes on a fairer turnout after last week’s big show proved to be a total washout.

Adelaide City Council is hoping for kinder weather on Friday for its next Waymouth Street Party after rain kept crowds away last week.

But Adelaide Unleashed – a joint $1m initiative of council and state government – has not yet committed to staging any of the street’s parties in 2023, the 11th anniversary of the event.

Normally, attendance is in the thousands but last Friday’s event tanked, with as few as 10 guests by 7.30pm, and official council figures showing only 300 in total.

The annual parties are billed by Adelaide Unleashed as “the ultimate party destination on Friday nights’’ and the event has been a mecca for people after work.

The crowd at the annual Waymouth St party at 7.30pm Friday night. Picture: Liam Cohen

Council’s Ilia Houridis said organisers were hoping for better weather this Friday, which has a predicted maximum of 17C and a likelihood of more rain.

“As with all outdoor events, inclement weather is a factor but the decision was made to proceed with last Friday’s event based on feedback from traders,’’ he said.

Mr Houridis said more outdoor heaters were planned for this week.