Bendigo Town Hall and its occupants were decked out in their finest at the City of Greater Bendigo Mayoral Ball on Saturday night.

About 190 glittering guests filled the hall, which was also elaborately decorated with glass candelabras and gold to reflect the night's 'touch of gold' theme.

Among the night's special guests were federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, Housing and Early Childhood Development Minister Wendy Lovell, Sports Minister Damian Drum, Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo East Maree Edwards, former mayor Lisa Ruffell and Aboriginal elder Aunty Lynn Warren.

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Barry Lyons and his wife, Betty, greeted guests on their arrival to the ball before city major events manager and the night's MC, Terry Karamaloudis, kicked off the night's formalities at 8pm.

Mr Karamaloudis said while there had been many a mayoral ball in the town hall since its opening in 1859, guests were in for a great night.

"I’ve just got a sneaking feeling this one will be added to the books as one to remember," he said.

Cr Lyons said the purpose of the night was three-fold.

"One’s about a charity, a great charity, Variety, for kids in need," he said.

"The other reason is to showcase our magnificent town hall, it’s really something and it’s really at its best in this condition.

"The third reason is for all you people to come here tonight, to let down your hair and have a great night." 

One of the night's main organisers, City of Greater Bendigo community wellbeing director, Pauline Gordon, said the night was "very exciting" from a local perspective.

"We’ve really tried to focus on local produce... and we've had the absolute collaboration of all local people and what they can do," she said.

"We want people to show you can put on beautiful event and make use of our town hall."