How it all began
On October 2, 1999, Deniliquin wrote itself into history claiming the Guinness Book of Records title for the largest parade of legally registered utes in the world.
In March 1999, a small group of community minded people led by Council's then Tourism Manager, got together with the aim to start a rural themed festival to bring visitors to Deniliquin, our beautiful vibrant town on the edge of the outback.
Many suggestions were raised and discussions centered on the shape and genre of the new festival, what was unanimously agreed though, was that it must showcase our pride of our unique Deniliquin way of life.
Hence the Deni Play on the Plains Festival was conceived, a festival to be held on the flattest, natural, open plains on earth, ute culture an intrinsic part of Deniliquin, would play a major part of the festival and hence the Deni World Record Ute Muster burst into the national psyche.
An amazing 2839 drivers took part, clearly establishing Deniliquin as the ute capital of the world and wrote itself into history claiming the Guinness Book of Records title for the largest parade of legally registered utes in the World.
A new world record bid has been held as part of the annual Play on the Plains Festival each September/October NSW Labour Day Long weekend since then, bringing more and more utes and visitors to our town every year.
Our Festival is a not for profit community event, run by 5 staff, Board of Directors, a volunteer working party and huge support from our local businesses, organisations, sponsors and volunteers.
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