Gavin Lockley wowed the crowd, pushing the school hall’s acoustics to its limits as he belted out the sixth and final movement of his Symphony of Australia.

Backed by the Winmalee High School choir, Mr Lockley performed My Country Australia, based on the poem by Dorothea Mackellar.

The symphony was written by the former student who graduated in 1995.

He said it felt fantastic, if a little weird, to be back at the school to perform his work.

The choir members were treated to his extensive experience during workshops in the week leading up to the opening of the annual event. He said they learned the movement in an impressive half hour.

With a big crowd in attendance, the hall was packed with a wide range of art pieces adorning stalls and blanketing the walls.

Guests were treated to snacks and drinks as members of the choir warmed up the room for Mr Lockley’s rousing performance.

Blue Mountains Cultural Centre Director Simon Ambrose, this year’s special guest judge, was there to present prizes. He also gave his expert opinion on the winning pieces.

The $1500 prize for this year’s Best in Show award went to Janet Brennan for her work Sanctuary Series 1. Nadia Matteucci took out the $200 runner-up prize while Paul Verstegen won the $100 craft prize for his finely crafted woodwork.

After special guests, sponsors and staff were thanked Mr Lockley declared Artfest 2008 open.

School principal Lawrie Lawless said the whole weekend was a great success with a huge number of visitors over the three days.