A crowd in excess of two thousand enjoyed a warm autumn day at the Lismore Turf Club as well as four passionate performances by four of Australia's premier opera and theatre voices.

Every inch of shade was utilised as tenor Paul Tabone, soprano Mirusia, baritone Joshua Robson and mezzo Jayde Westaby thrilled an appreciative crowd of opera, operetta and theatre lovers as they mixed their way through a variety of performances from Carmen, Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, La Traviata and West Side Story.

Throughout the afternoon you could hear a pin drop as a more mature crowd felt every note of every performance. Only Libiamo (The Drinking Song) had the cloud clapping along during the finale.

In the end, it was a standing ovation for the four performers who graciously gave their time to come to Lismore to be the final performance in what has been an incredible three weeks.

Mayor Steve Krieg told the Lismore App, "Today was an absolutely amazing way to finish. Two and a half thousand people enjoying some of the best opera singers that Australia has produced. We have got to be happy with that."

"You couldn't have asked for a more diverse, more successful group of activities on the whole. We had something for everyone to be able to enjoy, which was how it was designed. From some of Australia's greatest sporting icons to some of Australia's greatest opera icons to some of our best country performers, I think we had it all. Let's not forget the CBD with something for the youth with an R&B stage, skateboarding and all sorts of things."

"It was just an amazing three weeks, starting off with commemorating the efforts of our boaties, we can't forget that, that was the lead event. And you know, to see people smiling again, you just get that sense that there is hope back in the community."

"I think you can dwell on negative press for a long time but at the end of the day, what people want is hope and prosperity for the future and I think these events were designed to give that and I think we've achieved that. I hope we've achieved it."

Lismore City Council has turned what could have been a very solemn and emotionally draining time into something that has put smiles back on people's faces, conversations are more optimistic and as the Mayor says, there is more hope in the air.

A final thank you to the truly amazing team at Lismore City Council. They have given their time for each incredible event. They were perfectly planned, well organised and ran like clockwork. Take a bow to all those volunteers in pink t-shirts who yesterday even donned top hats and bow ties to add a sense of style to yesterday's proceedings.

Roll on March 2024!