The two-day event, held on Friday and Saturday, featured camel races, woodchopping, sports shearing, a poultry show, boutique stallholders, daredevil rides, roping and tying, live music, pavilion talent, fireworks, a pet parade, horse events and much more.

At the Saturday afternoon formalities, Mackayla Mitchell was named the 2018 Showgirl, and Emma Bailey named the runner-up.

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Before Australian cricketer and Bendemeer export Josh Hazlewood declared the event officially open, former Tamworth regional mayor James Treloar – a key figure in bringing AELEC to fruition – spoke about the dream for the venue all those years ago.

“The vision for AELEC was to one day have all the horse events and the P&A,” he said.

“It’s not going to be perfect the first year … but I can guarantee that, in years to come, this will be a magnificent facility for the P&A.”

Tamworth P&A president Greg Townsend agreed that “this current venue has been a challenge”.

“But it has been fantastic,” he said.

“I hope everyone’s had a good time – and, please, don’t hold back: tell us how we can improve it for next year.”