SYDNEY—The Sydney Festival could start with a free party in the heart of the city every year following the success of last night's gig, organisers say.
Almost 200,000 people flocked to the city centre despite persistent showers to see some 200 performers strut their stuff across six separate stages.
About 60,000 people jammed into the Domain to see former Beach Boy Brian Wilson and Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly headline the Festival First Night.
"We were thrilled with last night," Artistic Director Fergus Linehan told reporters today.
"We had about 200,000 people in the city.
"What we'd hoped for, which was to create this fantastic good humour in the city and give the festival to as many people as possible, seems to have paid off."
Mr Linehan said he hoped the first night party would become a regular fixture of the Sydney Festival - but next year there could be even more venues.
"We had a crowd that big with the rain, so we have to have a think now what it would be like if we had clear skies," he said.
"We certainly think we would have to look at a number of other sites."
The most popular venues where Martin Place, with dance music, the Domain for Wilson and Kelly, and Hyde Park where 12-piece Pink Martini played a blend of Latin, lounge, classical and jazz music.
Tourism Minister Matt Brown said the State Government pumped well over $1 million into the opening night party.
He said the festival contributed "enormously" to the economy by bringing people back into the city after the Christmas and New Year holidays.
"This is the start to a very big year for Sydney as far as events and attractions are concerned," Mr Brown told reporters.
He said upcoming events included this month's tennis tournaments, the Mardi Gras and World Youth Day in July.
The Sydney Festival runs until January 26.
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