For the first time in two years residents were able to gather at the Adventure Playground and enjoy the celebrations.

Bathurst Regional Council arranged a variety of market and food stalls for the evening, along with live music and amusement rides for the children.

Patrons were encouraged to bring along camp chairs and picnic rugs, so they could enjoy the night from any spot within the precinct.

Although there were COVID restrictions, with the event having to be ticketed to control numbers, it was still able to attract thousands of visitors.

"I think there was over 4000 people in attendance," mayor Robert Taylor said.

"It was great of the community to come out in such droves."

There was a great return to tradition as Bathurst ended the night with a bang.

The fireworks were back at 9pm and lit up the night sky for around 10 minutes, creating a stunning sea of colour.

"It was very fortunate because in past years we've had bushfires, drought and COVID, so the community was able to come out and celebrate, and hopefully after that we're in for a good 2022," Mr Taylor said.

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