January 22, 2020 is a date the Bathurst community is unlikely to forget any time soon.
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In front of 20,000 adoring fans at Carrington Park, Sir Elton John performed an epic set of hits spanning his 51-year career in music.
With the set clocking in at close to three hours, the 72-year-old Sir Elton showed incredible endurance beyond his years, leading the crowd through rousing renditions of 'Crocodile Rock,' 'Rocket Man,' 'Tiny Dancer,' and many other classics.
The concert received an overwhelmingly positive response from the Bathurst community, and mayor Bobby Bourke said he couldn't be happier.
"It was unbelievable, and to see Sir Elton acknowledge our town is something I never thought I'd witness," Cr Bourke said.
"Sir Elton will be a hard act to follow, and the only thing I can see beating it this year is the drought hopefully breaking."
Cr Bourke said the event played out according to plan and that Sir Elton kept the crowd buzzing from start to finish.
"Bathurst Regional Council's events staff have done a magnificent job, and Sir Elton's concert has further enhanced this region's appeal as a desirable tourist destination," he said.
"I made a point after the concert to ask people what they thought, and it was truly outstanding to see such a positive response from the community."
The positive response to the concert was shared by tour promoter Michael Chugg, who founded Chugg Entertainment in 2000.
"I've worked with Elton for a long time and the choice of Bathurst as a regional venue for the tour made perfect sense," Mr Chugg said.
"Elton loved it, and I'm very proud that we were able to bring something so special out over the mountains."
Mr Chugg said it was pleasing to see such a diverse crowd demographic at the concert.
"Everyone from young children to seniors turned out to see Elton, and there were zero issues with access and amenities," he said.
With Mr Chugg's company in charge of tours for the likes of Robbie Williams, Pearl Jam and Billie Eilish, he said the success of Sir Elton's concert bodes well for future events.
"Council were a big help for my people on the ground and I hope the gig has done a lot for Bathurst from an economic and cultural standpoint," he said.
"It has certainly provided some food for thought."