Music program director Ian Russell is out of intensive care but still in Armidale hospital after suffering a fractured skull. 

Mr Russell was in a corner of the music tent when suddenly the whole thing went up in the air.

Some residents say it was like a “tornado” ripping through town.

Stall holder Lindsay Stemp suffered massive bruising and lacerations and had 12 stitches to his hand. His wife Noala suffered bruises. 

Another stall holder, Christine Finch sprained one wrist and her little finger on the other hand.

Winds were so strong that resident Hayley Eddy watched two children cling to a fence.

“We had two kids pinned up against the fence and they couldn’t move,” she said.

Long-time volunteer Bertha Reeves also watched the 31st festival transform into a disaster zone.

The festival is up-and-running again and will wrap up on Sunday, January 29.