Thursday and Friday’s windy weather, which saw gusts tear through wine country at more than 30km/hr, caused havoc for workers setting up the delicate lanterns, lights and attractions.

But hundreds of guests still showed up, the opening festivities went ahead and Saturday’s blue skies saw even more people filter into the event. Many making the journey from Sydney. 

Organiser Fanny Cheuk said final numbers of guests wouldn’t be tallied until later in the week but she watched more than 15 tourist-laden coaches drop hundreds of guests at the seven “stars” (attractions) around the Valley.

“Everyone is learning and there are things to improve but, for sure, there were 15 to 20 tours who would never have come [to the Hunter] if not for the festival,” she said.

“People still ask why we’re having a Moon Festival here but this shows we’re real. Seeing is believing and the pictures, the stories, show we’re a real event.”