Jo Palmer parties in the Paddock as Tassie festival returns

Tens of thousands of party people flocked to the paddock for a weekend, which saw the resurgence of one of Tassie most loved music festivals, Party in the Paddock. SEE THE PICS >

Party in the Paddock, Friday 10 Feb 2023. Picture: Mitch Lowe

TENS of thousands of party people flocked to the paddock for a weekend which saw the resurgence of one of Tassie most loved music festivals, Party in the Paddock.

Among them was Tasmanian Minister Jo Palmer and her Dancing With The Stars daughter, Lily Cornish. The pair were looking stylish and sun-kissed as they posed for a photo together.

“Nothing better than when your kids actually want you to hang out with them,” the caption read.

Jo Palmer and her daughter Lily Cornish pose for a happy snap at Party in the Paddock. Picture: Facebook

The festival which started from humble beginnings in 2013, ran until 2020, when its organisers announced the bittersweet departure of the event via social media.

Back, and bigger than ever, the event wasn’t without its hiccups as festival goers queued up in cars for more than four hours, waiting to be let onto the grounds.

GALLERY: Party in the Paddock 2023 | Fri

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“5 hours in the line with only one toilet (which was out of order) and no access to water … Paid for VIP to get quick entry but were directed into the GA line and wasted three hours.” One comment on the event’s Instagram read.

GALLERY: Party in the Paddock 2023 | Sat

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This year’s line-up welcomed music heavy weights, Gang of Youths to its Saturday stage with an electric performance lead singer David Le’aupepe has built a reputation on.

The DMA’s, Benee, The Presets, Vera Blue and Meg Mac also took to the stage across the three-day event.

Local acts included Maddy Jane who notably toured with Grammy award-winning artist Harry Styles, First Nations and proud pakana artist Denni and indie folk singer Isabel Rumble.

Police praise party goers

Tasmania police have praised the behaviour of festival goers at Party in the Paddock over the weekend, but expressed disappointment at the number of drink drivers caught leaving the event.

Police conducted 1593 breath tests and detected 27 drink drivers. Nine of these were

P platers who are required to have zero alcohol in their breath.

The highest reading recorded was 0.101 which is over twice the legal limit.

Random drug tests were also conducted, and two drivers were detected with illicit

drugs in their blood.

Acting Inspector Stuart Greenwood of Northern Road Policing Services said it was a “disappointing result.”

“Never get behind the wheel if you think you may be over the limit or if you’ve taken drugs – even if it is the next day,” he said.

There were no arrests made at the event and with the exception of two patrons

being evicted for anti-social behaviour and minor property damage, crowds were generally well behaved, according to police.