Denim on the Diamond returned to Kelowna in a big way on Friday night.
After the music festival was postponed due to the Grouse Complex of wildfires that hit the Central Okanagan in August, the event returned on Oct. 6 and rocked City Park.
Friday night was country night as thousands of people gathered to see a full roster of artists, headlined by Mackenzie Porter and Ernest.
Some highlights of @ernest615 rocking out at Denim on the Diamond in #Kelowna @KelownaCapNews @BlackPressMedia pic.twitter.com/Zlw43fcFkw
— Jordy Cunningham (@CunninghamJordy) October 7, 2023
Ernest, who wasn’t on the original lineup but filled in to headline after the event was rescheduled, sang many of his own songs including his hit ‘Flower Shops’. After finishing the concert with that song, he did what he does after every show, throwing roses out to the crowd.
The singer/songwriter, who’s currently on tour with country star Morgan Wallen but was able to come to Kelowna because of a day off in the schedule, performed songs he had written for Wallen, including ‘Somebody’s Problem’ and ‘More Than My Hometown’.
Before Ernest, Mackenzie Porter rocked the park and when she was done, she took photos with fans at the merchandise tent.
Throughout the night on Friday, the festival had some troubles with their bar line-ups, causing many delays. But organizers Kurt Jory and Mitch Carefoot took full responsibility, issuing an apology and making the fixes so concert-goers had a better experience on Saturday night.
“We were right there with you, working through the frustration to get those drinks in your hands,” they stated on social media. “We take full responsibility and apologize for any inconvenience experienced that made your night anything less than perfect. We are very proud of our site, the musical experience, and the ambiance.”
Denim on the Diamond continued on Saturday night with a hip-hop/pop night and the new system put in place made the drink line-ups much easier for all those in attendance.
Saturday’s music featured four artists and was headlined by Bryce Vine. The ‘Sour Patch Kids’ singer performed for more than an hour and a half to bring an end to the festival.
According to the Kelowna RCMP, there were only a few infractions with concert-goers.
On top of food and merchandise vendors, there is also a tent available where people can donate to Central Okanagan Wildfire Relief organizations.
“Thank you Denimites for showing up in a big way this weekend - most of these artists had never been to Kelowna and they were straight up shook by your energy,” Denim on the Diamond said on a social media post on Monday.
READ MORE: 30 suits in 5 years, Okanagan contractor owes thousands of dollars