Friends and families filled the theatre to support the community groups and local talent of almost 500 performers from the Bendigo region.

Jonathan Ridnell promised few speeches and many performances as he hosted the night that combined schools, theatre groups, musicians and singers in a spectacular show.

The Fanfare Musicians kicked off the show before the Ulumbarra Orchestra showcase their talents as it scored a film that showed the heritage of the facility and the transition of the Old Bendigo Gaol to the brand new theatre complex.

Alawishus Jones and the Outright Lies added a distinct blues feel to the night complete with trumpet, ukulele, harmonica and drum solos.

Dancers were able to show off the scale of the 14.5 metre wide stage – the largest theatre stage in regional Australia. The stage is three times larger than The Capital theatre stage.

The Sharon Saunders Dancers performed One Short Day from Wicked before CMS Dance Worx took to the stage in a graceful ballet showcase.

Piano duo Stephen Briggs and Cheryl Long added to the wide cross section of performers before Nelson Gardner dazzled the audience with a song from the locally written and produced show Ned: A new Australian musical.

Bendigo Theatre Company got the audience involved with a medley of songs from its upcoming production of Mary Poppins before Camp Hill Short Circus All Stars and The Seduceaphones performed throughout the 1000-strong crowd.

The night finished with the Ulumbarra Stage Band featuring Australian trumpet play James Morrison. 

An impressive finale signed off the concert and heralded the arrival of Bendigo's newest icon.