Having outgrown the Centacare offices, the event was held at Tamworth Community Centre for an estimated 120 people.

There was food, fun – and even a challenge to perform a moon- or love-themed song.

It was the organisation’s eighth annual event, which traditionally celebrated the Chinese autumn harvest.

Cultural liaison officer Suelyn Pakes said there was always a lot of interest “because it’s fun, family-oriented, has food, entertainment, colours – it’s a happy festival”.

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It was also one that attracted people from the many different cultural backgrounds to which Tamworth is home.

“Because a lot of people here are from overseas, we have a big party, celebrate the event and encourage one another, because sometimes we can be quite isolated in Tamworth,” Ms Pakes said.

“With this event, people will get together and meet new friends … The whole idea is reunion and harmony.”

Centacare hosted lantern-making workshops in the lead-up to the night.

There were competitions for the best lanterns, outfits and vocal performances.

Best lanterns:

Best Chinese costumes:

Best singers:

Centacare wished to thank its sponsors for the event, especially Wests Entertainment Group, Import Cars 4U, Cheesecake Shop Tamworth, J & L Family Restaurant, Dragon Palace Restaurant, Big Sky Wellness and Forum 6 Cinemas.

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