Thousands of people turned out for the Lost Lanes Festival in Wagga Wagga last night as fresh COVID-19 restrictions descended across the city.
Less than two hours before the start of the regional music, arts and food festival, the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian was holding a press conference 450 kilometres away in Sydney to announce the new restrictions.
Festival organisers were forced to reduce capacity at some of the pop up venues by 50 per cent and hand out masks from 6pm.
It didn't dampen the spirits of French expats Raphael Sfeedj and Rebecca Saragga, who checked in early to dance to home grown DJ Nina Las Vegas.
"We love the DJ, it's amazing," Ms Saragga said.
"It's ok, we're going to put masks (on) and do all the COVID restrictions."
The event organiser for the pop up ice skating rink, John Harvey, said no one had any issue adhering to the new rules.
"It seems that everyone got behind it and reacted very well," he said.
"I think everyone is just determined to get through it, so they're doing what they need to do."
As well as a variety of musical acts embedded in different pockets of the city, there was an array of food stalls
Among them was Tibetan chef Jinpa Gyatso, who was serving momo at his first Lost Lanes Festival.
"It is very, very busy," Mr Gyatso said.
Wagga on ice
The star attraction was the pop up ice skating rink, a first for the Lost Lanes Festival.
It was an unusual site in Wagga Wagga, where it reportedly has not snowed for more than 50 years.
Wayne Mutton said it was a highlight for his family, adding it was a great "opportunity for people in the regional city.
"It's challenging, I'm not the best, but it's great," he said.
While the festival is over the ice skating rink will remain for two weeks.
ABC Riverina hosted one of the pop up venues in the station car park, featuring DJ Nina Las Vegas.
