Porchetta Day co-ordinator Kristen Dunn said  they were “extremely happy” with the crowd numbers.

“We believe it was similar to last year,” she said.

“We changed the layout from last year and it’s hard to tell, but there were a lot of ticket sales.”

Last year,about 6000 people tucked into a range of Italian treats such as pasta, Italian sausage, lasagne, bruschetta, gnocchi and gelati.

Miss Dunn said the weather was perfect, creating a great setting for the red, green and white decorations among the olive trees.

She said this year’s special addition of cooking demonstrations by a well-known chef proved a winning ingredient.

“I think Tobie Puttock, our celebrity chef, was a highlight this year,” Miss Dunn said.

“It certainly was a nice touch to the day and people said they enjoyed his demonstrations.

“He was a delight to work with.

“The pizza making was a hit as well and we had a lot of comments on how good the kids’ section was. It was a nice family day out.”

She thanked the volunteers who had helped set out, keep the day running and clean up.

George Souris was back to where it all began in Gunnedah as special guest at the opening of Porchetta Day.

The Gunnedah-born, former leader of the National Party of NSW opened proceedings alongside Gunnedah mayor Owen Hasler with the traditional basting of the pig.

Mr Souris, who was the first Greek Australian MP in NSW and also an ex-rugby second-rower with the NSW Waratahs, was rapt to return to his roots, even if that meant an Italian festival.

“I’m delighted to be back home to see the festival,” Mr Souris said.

“I think it’s wonderful to see the town embrace this event and the Italian theme.”

He spoke glowingly about Gunnedah’s “celebration of culture” and the strong ties the local community has developed to people of different nationalities.