What is quickly established itself as one of the biggest social events on the Coonamble calendar, this years Long Lunch was nothing short of “a sea of colour.”

The fifth rendition of the lunch on Friday 1 March saw over 300 women from around New South Wales and Queensland descend on the Coonamble Showground pavilion.

Long Lunch founder Lucy Moss shared her thoughts on the 2024 lunch.

“It was like a colour explosion of fashion,” she said.

“We had lots of people remarking that Coonamble and Western NSW girls certainly know how to frock up.”

The theme for 2024, “What can I bring?” was named after the speaker Sophie Hansen’s new book of the same name.

“The lunch is a celebration of Sophie’s new book,” said Lucy.

“The book is all about what to bring to social events, whether its a birthday, a picnic, dinner, the rugby, any social event really.”

“This is her fifth book, and fourth time speaking at the long lunch.”

The catering for the event was provided by Narrabri based Relish, who put on food straight out of Sophie Hanson’s new book.

Cocktails were provided by Wee Waa based Josephine’s Drinks.

PHOTO: Mink and Me owner and Long Lunch Founder Lucy Moss with this year’s speaker and author of ‘What can I bring?’ Sophie Hansen. PHOTO: Kirsty Fisher Photography.

“We also had a speaker from a winery walk us through the wine which was great,” said Lucy.

The real hero of the day however was the fans at the showground pavilion who made an unbearable 38 degree day comfortable.

“Those fans were amazing,” said Lucy.

“We were really lucky.”

The event is getting bigger and bigger with each year says Lucy.

“This was our biggest lunch so far,” she said.

“We had 310 people purchase tickets from across NSW and QLD, and 300 people turn up on the day.”

“It’s nice to see that it’s not just Coonamble people coming along to the event and that we’re gaining traction in other communities.”

The day wrapped up around 8pm after kicking off at 12pm when the last guests made their way home.