NSW Governor Margaret Beazley is officially opening the highly anticipated and internationally renowned Lightning Ridge Opal & Gem Festival next week.

The Lightning Ridge Opal & Gem Festival is back this year after two years of COVID related set-backs.

Sally Weeks, Lightning Ridge Opal & Gem Festival Event Manager says the festival is an exciting time for the local community and exhibitors.

"The Lightning Ridge community, local and visiting exhibitors as well as tourists are so excited for the festival to return this year," Mrs Weeks said.

"The Opal & Gem Festival is the perfect opportunity to bring together opal and gem sellers, wholesalers and jewellers to the public."

The festival started in 1971 and is an annual four- day celebration of the finest opal and gem workings from all over Australia and the world. It is a culmination of information, spectacular jewellery, collectables, great deals and fantastic networking opportunities enjoyed by thousands of people.

What's more, it is the largest event on the Opal trade circuit calendar with over 150 exhibitors and market stalls attending.

"There is something for everyone at this year's festival," says Mrs Weeks.

"We have stalls with lapidary equipment, fashion, gifts, woodwork, LED lights, tools, camping and caravanning supplies, souvenirs and novelties, information, food and much, much more."

The festival is being officially opened this year by NSW Governor Margaret Beazley on the Thursday 28 July.

"We have never had an official opening before, we are so excited that the NSW Governor is available on Thursday to kick- off such a historic and exciting event", Mrs Weeks said.

Market stalls will fill the streets in Lightning Ridge.

The festival attracts exhibitors from both domestic and international areas.

"This year we have exhibitors from Singapore and Hong Kong in attendance, as well as from most states within Australia including Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and of course New South Wales."

"It will be great to see so many visitors within the community again after a troubling two years," she said.

"Accommodation is already selling out fast within Lightning Ridge, with visitors already seeking accommodation in close townships including Collarenebri and Walgett."

Opals and gems on display.

The Opal & Gem Festival culminates with the annual Red on Black Opal Queen Ball on Saturday 30 July.

The ball aims to celebrate the contributions of local women, and crowns an ambassador for the local community.

"This year, NSW Governor Margaret Beazley will be making a speech, officially announcing and crowning the winning ambassador," said Mrs Weeks.

Mrs Weeks highlights the importance of women within the Lightning Ridge community.

"There is a huge involvement of women within the community within local sporting clubs, business owners, workers, volunteers, and service workers."

An Opal Queen Ambassador can be awarded to any woman over the age of 18 who has grown up within the local area or has been a resident for 6 months or more.

"We have an entrant this year at the age of 44. It is great to see a large age population continuing to participate in the competition", Mrs Weeks said.

A past Opal Queen Rhiannon wearing Opal an opal covered dress.

In addition to the crowning of a local ambassador, there is also a People's Choice Award which is voted by the attendees at the ball on the night.

"The People Choice Winner receives a piece of opal jewellery and a $500 cheque to donate to the charity of their choice", Mrs Weeks says.

Book tickets for the Red on Black Opal Queen Ball and find more information and links right here on the app: Lightning Ridge Opal Festival.