New year’s family fun draws massive crowd

THOUSANDS of Gympie people saw the New Year in at Nelson Reserve, in what was described as the biggest crowd at a Gympie event in a lifetime.

THOUSANDS of Gympie people saw the New Year in at Nelson Reserve, in what was described as the biggest crowd at a Gympie event in a lifetime.

The New Year's Eve Family Fun Night drew more than 4000 people who revelled in hours of supercharged entertainment and free rides.

NYE Gympie Family Fun Night

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Event organiser Troy Rowlands said the crowd, which started arriving at 4.30 for the 6 o'clock start, was the biggest gathering a long-time Gympie ambulance driver had ever seen at an event in Gympie.

Local talent Sarah and Maggie Moro, Ethan Roberts, The Dennis Sisters and Little Coin took to the stage, before headline act and popular X-Factor finalist Dean Ray wooed the crowd.

Mr Rowlands said the talented performer put in a solid hour of electrifying entertainment, with a line-up of original songs and covers including some throwback classics from Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash.

The crowd truly appreciated the entertainment, he said.

"It's been a long time coming since we've had a lot of recognised talent," Mr Rowlands said.

"Now it's becoming a regular event and we're seeing some top artists."

Mr Rowlands said the generosity of the Gympie Regional Council and the event sponsors, meant it was an event all ages could enjoy.

Gympie Family Fun Night

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