The Inland Sea of Sound festival has long been known as an exercise in discovery and adventure, and this year's event was no exception.
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Across Friday and Saturday, festival goers were treated to an incredible display of entertainment atop Mount Panorama from the likes of Missy Higgins, Killing Heidi, Mama Kin Spender, Thando, Timberwolf and much more.
For Ella Hooper, the lead singer of Killing Heidi, the event was an incredible opportunity to connect with a regional audience.
READ MORE: Inland Sea of Sound 2020, Day 1 | Photos
"We adore performing in regional areas as it's so important for these communities to receive quality live music events," Hooper said.
"Jesse and I grew up in Violet Town [in northeastern Victoria] and we were certainly starved for concerts and culture there, so we always strive to inspire people in regional areas to pursue music."
For other artists, the opportunity to perform in a regional area was a chance to test their sound with an unfamiliar crowd, and such was the case for Melbourne-based soul singer Thando.
"I seldom get the opportunity to perform in regional areas and it's always really humbling to earn the respect of new audiences," Thando said.
And earn their respect she did, with several crowd members dancing to her soulful grooves.
The festival was also an opportunity to showcase some outstanding local talent, with the likes of Gabbi Bolt, Amy Viola and LEAP artists wowing audiences with their rich artistry.
Viola, who is currently working towards a debut album, said the festival is an incredible platform to trial new material.
"It gives local artists such as myself a chance to enjoy a proper festival experience on stage," she said.
"When the local entertainment industry grows, so does the importance of cultural appreciation and the tourist economy is vital to the Central West."
Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre [BMEC] manager Stephen Champion said the attendance figure over the weekend has doubled 2018's result.
"The vibe of the festival was amazing and we've received a lot of positive feedback from those who attended," Mr Champion said.
"I think the change in time of year has been a positive step forward, and the addition of the shade cloth provided artists with an intimate crowd throughout the festival's entirety."
Wahluu: A hive of cultural appreciation
Outside the music, the Inland Sea of Sound festival provided a colourful collage of culture.
The Wiradyuri elders hosted two memorable Welcome to Country performances on Friday and Saturday night, and there were a number of market stalls and installations showcasing local art and storytelling.
Wiradyuri elder Yanhadarrambal [Uncle Jade Flynn], said the Indigenous Australian component of the festival reflects the significance of Wahluu as a place of ceremony.
"The site of this festival is where the local Wiradyuri population would come together for dance, music and celebration," Yanhadarrambal said.
"It's a great opportunity for us to share our culture and religion with festival goers in an area of deep Wiradyuri significance."
The festival's stages were named after the three brothers involved in Wahluu's creation story: Wahluu, Gaanhabula and Guhanawalni.
"Their stories are pivotal to Bathurst's history," Yanhadarrambal said.