ONE of the biggest free concerts held in regional Western Australia took place in Northam at the weekend as part of Wesfarmers' centenary celebrations.
Blessed with perfect weather, about 3400 people went through the gates, with about 200 corporate guests.
The Wesfarmers Centenary Community Concert was performed by the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and West Australian Opera and featured acclaimed soprano Sara Macliver and mezzo soprano Fiona Campbell.
Talented young performers from around the region made up the support acts including Perth Hills and Wheatbelt Band and young Aboriginal hip hop dancers Kellerberrin's Static Crew and Lil Sparks.
The Clontarf Drumming Group, Patch Up and Northam PCYC Performing Arts also took to the stage.
Gates opened to the public at 4pm with the main event underway at about 7.30pm.
Actor and comedian Peter Rowsthorn was the master of ceremonies.
Wesfarmers media and external affairs manager Cathy Bolt said she hoped everyone enjoyed the night but had had nothing but positive feedback.
"It has been a huge success with people particularly liking the inclusion of local support acts," Ms Bolt said.
"It took a huge amount of planning and the night came together. There were no problems with the crowd and they had a great spirit."
Ms Bolt said it was not an inexpensive exercise to bring such an event to the country and people appreciated the effort.
"The concert was the right gift to give back," she said.
"The Northam Recreation Centre was a great place to hold it and the staff were terrific."
Music ranged from the Star Wars main theme, to Somewhere over the Rainbow and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
Northam Recreation Centre manager Colin Hassell said the night was amazing.
"It went off without a hitch and I don't think Northam has experienced anything like that before," Mr Hassell said.
"The standing ovation at the end of the 1812 Overture was testament to the night."
He said Australian businesswoman Janet Holmes a'Court was impressed with the facilities and felt the Shire did a good job.
"This all started over 22 months ago after I received an email with Wesfarmers searching for a venue and the rest is history," Mr Hassell said.
A full rehearsal was held on April 11.
