The event featured Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows on the main stage in the afternoon.

A crowd gathered at 4.30pm to see the music legend, with event goers singing along and dancing.

There were also food and wine stalls throughout the site.

James and Lucy, students from Launceston, enjoyed fresh gozleme and gnocchi.

“The food’s yummy and after lunch we’ve got some wine tokens so we’ll check that out,” James said.

A new drink token system was in place and La Festa chairman Jason Torresan was pleased with the way it helped mitigate antisocial behaviour.

“We had plenty of staff on, we limited the amount people could buy - only mid strength beer, plenty of security and a strong police presence,” Mr Torresan said.

John Faronato, treasurer of La Festa, said organisers were very happy with how the day.

“We’re pleasantly surprised with the crowd despite the rain and feel the location is ideal.”

“The move has encouraged businesses to come on board and provide sponsorship and that provided us with some assurance we can provide a great event.”

Retailers on Banna Avenue took advantage of the location of La Festa to organise a sidewalk sale. 

Francine from GW Speirs was happy to see the main street full again.

“It’s a really great atmosphere, it’s been wonderful,” she said.

In the afternoon, there were pie eating and chilli eating contests organised.

The pie eating contest went into overtime for a tie breaker and Kenny Tata won with a total of 16 party pies consumed.

A chilli eating contestant had to be seen by paramedics.

Members of the crowd watched on as she sought assistance, but she was given the all clear.

Griffith police Inspector John Wadsworth said the crowd was well behaved.

“It was a really good family day,” Inspector Wadsworth said.

“It was well run and a great community event.”