Lightning Ridge's Opal Queen has met her match, now the 2022 Lightning Ridge Potch Queen has finally been crowned.

The annually anticipated Lightning Ridge Potch Queen Ball took place on Saturday 3 December at the Lightning Ridge Outback Resort and Caravan Park.

The event attracted over 250 guests in a night full of laughter. This year the theme was 1950's/ Rockabilly. All guests dressed to impress to try their chance at winning the best dressed male and female categories.

Potch Queen, unlike the prestigious Opal Queen awarded earlier this year, showcases 'drag' performances by local miners and other male community members. The Potch Queen Ball has taken place in Lightning Ridge since the 1970's.

The potential potch queens are judged over various categories including their performance or act, public speaking, their level of femininity, crowd reaction and crowd involvement.

 ABOVE: All seven potential potch queens lined up in front of the excited crowd. PHOTO: Kayla Jakitsch

Organiser of the Lightning Ridge Potch Queen Ball Angie Newman, says taking on the role of organiser was a no- brainer.

"The Potch Queen Ball is one of the best events in Lightning Ridge. 2022 is the first year the event has run again since 2018," Ms Newman said.

"The Potch Queen Ball is usually organised by the Lightning Ridge Preschool. Unfortunately, due to staff shortages they couldn't run it - so I put my hand up to take it on," she said.

The ball is a celebration of the community and Lightning Ridge, like many rural towns, has seen some struggles over the last few years.

"The drought, COVID-19 and now floods have had a huge impact on the profitability of our town. We have taken a huge blow with tourism this year," Ms Newman said.

"The ball is an opportunity for the town and tourists to have a fun night out with the whole community and raise money towards the 2023 Lightning Ridge Easter Festival," she said.

Judges play an important role at the ball as the selection of the potch queen is always a difficult, almost impossible decision.

"The judges of the event are usually tourists," Ms Newman said. "However, this year due to the floods we have had to source our judges locally from Lightning Ridge Central School. Josie Hughes and Mikayla Richardson did a fabulous job at judging what is a highly competitive competition."

ABOVE: Daniel Bolton aka 'Red Velvet' showing off his best moves to the judges. VIDEO: Angel Johnston.

Seven potential Potch Queens performed to impress the judges. With two last-minute contestants gathering the courage to join about 30 minutes before the start of the show.

The potential Potch Queens grinded, twerked and sang their hearts out.

Brad Benjamin, aka 'Missbehaving', was awarded the 2022 Lightning Ridge Potch Queen, receiving $1000.

"Everyone loved Brad's performance. He brought props, and had choreographed a full dance routine. He was amazing," Ms Newman said.

2nd place and $500 was awarded to Michael Buchanan, aka 'Cinderanga'.

3rd place and $300 was awarded to Mal Brown, aka 'Marradonna'.

Miss Personality was awarded to Daniel Bolton, after his Q&A answers with Master of Ceremonies Garth Boutlon regarding his alter ego, 'Red Velvet'.

Best dressed male and female audience members were Catherin Sisa and Lyle Boulton.

ABOVE: The whole Lightning Ridge community and guests could be involved on the night, dressing up in the theme 1950's/ Rockabilly. PHOTO: Regan Bevan 

Ms Newman says that the 2022 Lightning Ridge Potch Queen Ball return was better than ever.

"I am so happy because despite all the set- backs we have faced, we still had a great turn- out from the local community," she said.

"This is the first year we have brought it back in a while, and it is great to see events like these bring so many people to turn and enjoy themselves.

"We are so grateful to have the support from both local businesses and the community.

"It has been a really rewarding event to organise and be apart of. I would like to congratulate once again all our winners from the night. You rocked!," Ms Newman said.

The Lightning Ridge Potch Queen Ball raised over $5000 towards the Lightning Ridge Easter Festival which will take place between 7-10 April in 2023.