Over six thousand people flocked to the Lismore Showgrounds today under perfect autumn skies for Day 1 of Gemfest 2023.

Vice President of the Lismore Lapidary Club Jenny Vyrenhoek, the organisation that puts on Gemfest, told the Lismore App she was ecstatic about how the day went from very early on.

"The numbers are already down around the bottom section of the showground and the constant lineup at the food and coffee vans is massive."

"The sun gods have definitely shone down upon us and I think that's helped a lot."

Secretary Marcus Bebb estimated around 3 or 4000 people at showgrounds around 11:30am.

"This looks bigger than 2021 which was the first year after COVID-19 and we couldn't put it on last year because of the floods. The rock hounds are loving the weather, they've got sun on their rocks."

(Families enjoying the gem sieving on the banks of the showground near the exhibition pavilions)

Gates open at 9am again this morning for Day 2, the final day, until 3pm. The price is the same as 2021 so $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under with the money raised going to the upkeep, maintenance and equipment of the Lismore Lapidary Club.

The success of one of Australia's largest gem and mineral shows means the tailgaters will go home happy and will return in 2024, the food vendors will go home happy and the Lismore Lapidary Club can buy new and upgraded equipment like cut-off saws for the large and medium rocks.

"We've bought new laps and we're constantly putting new pads on the laps which is cutting and polishing and refining work," Jenny explained, "We have a lot of ongoing costs that Gemfest pays for 12 months. This is our only major fundraiser."

If you couldn't get to the Lismore Showgrounds yesterday, Sunday is looking as good weatherwise with another perfect blue sky day on the cards and a top of 20 degrees.

Parking is free and via Dunoon Road.