After months and months of planning, a large turnout enjoyed great weather and plenty of action.

Festival-goers enjoyed a barbecue breakfast to begin proceedings, and were then able to stroll around dozens of unique stalls.

The City of Maitland Pipes and Drums Band put on a stunning performance before the crowd was entertained by Doonooch, the World's Premier Traditional Aboriginal Dance Company.

Thousands of people lined the main street for the showpiece event, the Running of the Sheep, at midday.

Several hundred sheep, some wearing red socks, led a procession of marching bands, school groups, community services, and local businesses.

Children's entertainment throughout the day included a jumping castle, a ROAR Petting Zoo, My Pet Dinosaur, and Sparkles the Clown.

The festival continued on Sunday with sheep yard dog trials and a bush poets breakfast.