Exhausted but exhilarated - organisers of the 2022 Lightning Ridge Easter Festival say the event not only lived up to expectations, it went well beyond.

Lightning Ridge accommodation was totally booked, with overflow to Carinya Station, Lorne Station and accommodation in Walgett, Collarenebri, Hebel and as far as the Pilliga.

Day trippers came and went from Goodooga, Hebel, Moree, Walgett, Colli, Coonamble, Dubbo, Brewarrina and Bourke.

Massive numbers made it inland from the NSW north and central coast including the Coffs Harbour, Maitland and Newcastle areas; Sydney, south coast and southern highlands plus a good representation from south east Queensland which was challenging due to flooded roads between Dirranbandi and Hebel.

Among the throng were a very large number of “returnees” from previous Easters - many who said they come either every year (although thwarted recently by Covid lockdowns), or come every second or third year as a matter of course.

"The weather was magnificent for the entire weekend with clear and calm skies and maximum temps around 30 degrees," said volunteer committee member Andrew Kemeny.

"We owe a huge thanks to over thirty sponsors in cash and kind – the event would not be possible without their generosity. Major sponsors were Down To Earth Opals, Lightning Ridge District Bowling Club, Outback Opal Tours, The Opal Munters, Walgett Shire Council, and YES Marketing."

Some of the community members who made the Lightning Ridge Easter Festival such an outstanding success.

The various organising groups of the series of events that made up the Festive have provided some notable statistics:

• Around 100 volunteers across street events, races, Bull and Bronc Ride, Race Club, etc to bring this event to fruition
• Our estimate of total attendees across all events is around 5,000 people
• Over $30,000 in cash, prizes, raffles and giveaways on Easter Saturday during the street events
• Estimated crowd in the main street and during the Digs’ on Easter Saturday around 2,000 people
• Over 500 people through Chambers of the Black Hand over the three day weekend (usual max capacity around 120 per day), so a substantial percentage lift over average
• Opal Caravan Park at full capacity across cabins, powered and unpowered sites, etc – very conservative estimate of 2,000 people in the park over the weekend
• Lightning Ridge Horse Racing Club advise 2,000 persons through the gate on Easter Saturday afternoon
• Lightning Ridge Pony Club advise 4,000 persons through the gate for the Black Opal Bull and Bronc Ride on Good Friday evening, with a total prize pool won in excess of $26,000
• Lightning Ridge Bowling Club served over 11,500 meals and drinks over the Easter weekend

Organisers' tip: Book your accommodation early for 2023 in order to secure a motel room, cabin, powered or unpowered site; Lightning Ridge has demonstrated the capacity to provide food and beverage for all visitors; a weekend of fun and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.