Armed with a brand new camera that he had received for his birthday, Parade ventured from stage to stage at the festival last Saturday to catch glimpses of some outstanding musical talent.

Parade was entertained by the likes of Gabbi Bolt, Sofala, Andy Nelson, Sweet Revenge, Chloe and Jason Roweth, and of course, Bathurst’s favourite small town women Smith & Jones.

The Cat Empire also delivered the goods as the headline act on the main stage, and while Parade admits that their music really isn’t his thing, he couldn’t help but note their sublime professionalism as musicians.

Parade’s pick for their favourite artist goes to Sydney-based duo LamBros, who provided a stunning set of high-energy roots rock that took audiences completely by surprise.

With LamBros’ electric set proving a grand excursion in crowd engagement, Parade can’t help but wonder why they weren’t offered a slot on the main stage.

Special mention goes to the festival's outstanding Welcome to Country, which incorporated Aboriginal and Māori material to provide a beautiful sunset spectacle.

A massive congratulations to everyone involved with this year’s Inland Sea of Sound festival, and here’s hoping for another exciting chapter next year!

Although Inland Sea of Sound was amazing, Parade can’t help but wonder why Thirsty Merc weren’t performing at the festival.

Thirsty Merc, known for their hits ‘Someday, Someday,’ ‘20 Good Reasons’ and ‘In the Summertime,’ were performing in Bathurst last Saturday night, but at the RSL Club.

Their performance was at the same time as The Cat Empire’s set at Inland Sea of Sound.

Athough both events were, by all accounts, well attended, Parade finds it bizarre that a quality band like Thirsty Merc were hired to perform a set in competition with Inland Sea of Sound.