The first day of the Dungog Tea Party has been hailed a success with hundreds of people flocking to the James Theatre.
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Hundreds of hand crafted tea cosies are on display along with woodwork from the men's shed and other tea related items.
The event which has been 18 months in the planning opened on Tuesday and will continue until Sunday, August 25.
Trivet of the Year went to Wal Keppie from the Dungog Mens Shed.
Best window displays in the business competition went to Hidden Valley, Davey and Olsen and the Festival Lounge.
Dungog Mayor Tracy Norman officially opened the event with special guest Federal Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie MP.
When the popular Morpeth tea pot and tea cosy festival was held for the last time in 2017, Dungog took up the reins to run a slightly different version of the event.
Campbell's Store owner Trevor Richards and his wife Shirley had run the Morpeth event since 1987. It was a 10-day event with more than 1500 vessels on display.
A hard working committee of three - Margaret Flannery, Erika Seck and Pauline Cambourne have been supported by the bsuiness community sponsoring the event. Erika's husband Martin Thorsby was also singled out for his assistance.
There's also a great display of residents' favourite quirky teapots along with the big drawcard - all the entries in the 2019 Tea Cosy Challenge and the Trivet Challenge.
Erika Seck from the committee said there had been 238 creative tea cosy entries in the challenge and around 75 per cent of those creations would be for sale.
Day one sales had already been strong as visitors snapped up their favourite creation for their pot.
The main prize in the challenge is $500 cash with categories including country capers, Australiana, superheroes, paddock to plate and treasured memories.
There is the chance to buy other tea related products including a range of quirky teapots.
Keeping with the tea theme there is the chance to have your future told with tea leaf readings on Wednesday, August 21 from 10.30 until 2 and to have your favourite pet painted on a mural by Karen Scott.
As part of the festival the Dungog Art Society is holding a paint workshop on Friday, August 23 from 2-4pm.
Cost is $20 with all art supplies included to create your own unique artwork. Afternoon tea will be served. Spaces are limited, so a booking is required. Contact Michelle on 0429476779 for more information.
Children's artwork for the Tea Party will be on display at Lovey's IGA supermarket in Dowling Street.
Entry to The James Theatre each day of the party between 10am and 4pm is free.
