As headline act Troy Kemp was thrilling a crowd on 350 around 10.10pm on Saturday at the Terang Racecourse, the strong wilds were fuelling a fire at Garvoc, 15 kliometres away.

Festival chairman Geoff Barby said a decision had to be made.

“Troy was going gangbusters inside and all hell was breaking loose outside,” Mr Barby said.

“He got a shock when I told him he had to stop but he understand why when I explained what was going on.

“He was awesome, he reassured the crowd and everyone was able to make an orderly retreat.”

The 60 caravans that were parked at the racecourse for the festival were moved to the evacuation location, the Terang Recreation Reserve, with everyone tucked away in bed by 2am.

“The crowd was amazing, everyone was so cooperative,” Mr Barby said.

“The fire wasn’t going to get to us but the orange glow in the sky from Garvoc felt like it was right next door to us rather than 15 kilometres away.”

The festival called off its planned Sunday morning entertainment and committee members assessed some of the damage from the strong winds. This included the main stage outside, which was badly ripped.