Sky Ball marks the return of Hunter music festivals in the age of social distancing

Not that it was technically a music festival. The NSW Government forbids music festivals, so this was part one of a five-night concert series, running from Friday to Sunday and again next weekend.

Mother nature provided all the ingredients. The golden moon illuminated the starry Lower Belford sky and the almost-balmy evening meant the total fire ban didn't leave punters feeling the chill.

All four musical acts Kim Churchill, Eagle & The Wolf, Lachlan X. Morris and Dave Favours & The Roadside Ashes contributed something unique and were warmly received by the appreciative crowd, that was below the restricted capacity of 300.

However, it felt detached. In order to fulfill social distance regulations the audience were separated in "party pens" of up to 10 people made from green tarpaulin.

Understandably the atmosphere was flatter than the usual Gum Ball or Dashville Skyline, despite the musical entertainment being of high quality.

In his first gig in six months Churchill was in his element performing a stripped back set with accompaniment from cellist Josh Rea. The set included a cover of Nick Cave's Into My Arms and original Second Hand Car.

Overwhelmingly the attitude among the crowd was one of appreciation that live music was back, but also sadness that it wasn't like it once was.