COUNTRY music revellers flocked to Whittlesea township last weekend for what has been called the most successful country music festival Victoria has ever seen.

More than 16,000 people turned out for the three-day 2006 Whittlesea Country Music Festival, a record attendance for the event that featured legendary artists such as John Williamson, Troy Cassar-Daley and new patron of the event, Adam Harvey.

Festival organising committee president Alan Hayward said he was delighted to have the performer on board.

“As the winner of the male vocalist of the year at the Victorian and National Country Music Awards on Friday night, Adam is obviously a very popular performer,” Mr Hayward said.

“He’s also a tremendous guy and will be a fantastic ambassador for the Whittlesea Country Music Festival.”

Mr Hayward said both artists and audiences were calling it the best festival ever seen in the state and one of the best in the country.

“The feedback we’ve been getting is that people have been blown out of the water by it,” he said.

“Artists have rung our music directors saying how much they appreciated being part of it and some have said it was one of the best festivals they’ve ever been to; it’s certainly the best we’ve ever done.

He said many artists who weren’t part of the festival had already called to get on the bill for 2007.

Whittlesea mayor John Fry said the festival’s success provided a terrific boost for the local economy and for regional tourism.

“This event gives local residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy a true taste of country,” Cr Fry said.

“Every year I am impressed by the fantastic effort from everyone involved in the Whittlesea Country Music Festival But with 2006 the most successful event ever, all those involved have outdone themselves.”

The free family Saturday Street Party was the biggest on record, with more than 10,000 people filling Church St, enjoying the roving entertainment.

Mill Park singer-guitarist Alan Percy won the buskers’ competition while the talent search winner was Seymour’s Rachel McCracken.

But is was the three country music superstars Troy Cassar-Daley, Adam Harvey and John Williamson who were the highlight of the festival on the Sunday.

“These guys are the ‘Three Tenors’ of Australian country music,” Mr Hayward said.

“They got the superstar’s reception they truly deserved.”

In a boost to organisers, it was also announced at the event that the State Government had provided, at the last minute, $10,000 funding for the festival.