Show Society president Jeff Jaeger said crowds started growing on Friday night for the grand parade, official opening by Clayton Barr, motorbike speedway and movie screening.

“People who live around Cessnock love anything with a motor in it,” Mr Jaeger said.

“The bikes, the little go-kart style speedway cars and the smash up derby bring their own crowd.”

While the region was battered with heavy rain on Saturday afternoon, Mr Jaeger said it only sprinkled in Cessnock.

“The zoo and the rides, though I’d never get on them, were really popular,” he said.

Meanwhile, crowds were continuing to gather in preparation for the 9pm fireworks.

“It was a really good show this year,” he said. “Everyone just seemed happy with it.”