President of the Parkes sub branch of the RSL which organised the event, Arthur Parker, said the competition greatly exceeded all expectations.

“We were absolutely full to capacity with the crowd; the kids had to sit on the floor so the adults could sit in the seats.

“The 15 acts were all excellent, and I have no doubt everyone had a wonderful night out.”

Mr Parker said when the evening was all over, the entire crowd joined in a ‘great old singalong of marvellous old songs’.

MC was Terry Ridley, while shire councillor Barbara Newton, Mary Fanello and Greig Ball had a tough task in determining the winners.

Major winners on the night were as follows:

Choirs - Holy Family School 1, Middleton School 2, Parkes East 3.

Individuals - Arty Wright 1, Dot Cole 2.

The Westcott family and the archipelago singers, Tapestry also received prizes.

Encouragement awards were presented, as well as three lucky door prizes.

Terry Knowles was able to capture the mood of the night with these pictures.