Not even Saturday night's storm could dampen the spirits of festival-goers in what was Old Bar's biggest weekend celebration to date.

Old Bar Beach Festival president Cozette Leonard estimated a record 18,000 people turned out during the community's annual two-day event, a huge crowd enjoying a host of amusements and activities throughout Saturday and Sunday.

"The crowds were amazing," Cozette said.

"The place was absolutely chockers. It was great to see so many people turn up."

Novelist, Di Morrisey, Myall Lakes MP, John Turner and mayor Paul Hogan were among the dignitaries at the festival's official opening ceremony on Saturday morning.

Hundreds of people packed onto Old Bar Reserve to witness the spectacle, which also featured skydivers and a march past from the Taree/Old Bar Surf Club.

Earlier, 68 competitors hit Old Bar Beach for the Gatorade/Max FM Surfside Fun Run, navigating 4km and 8km courses.

Sunshine bathed the town throughout the day as the crowds feated on a variety of live music, mega markets, amusments and the Rugby 10s comp.

The mercury peaked at 32 degrees mid-afternoon before ominous clouds gathered on the horizon.

"Severe weather warnings were issued for the Mid North Coast on Saturday evening," Cozette explained.

"That would have put a lot of people off from heading out to the festival.

Despite the overnight tempest, a massive 150 kombis and 130 vintage vehicles turned out for an impressive show and shine display on Sunday morning.

"It was an amazing effort to get that many," Cozette agreed.

"We were thrilled with how things turned out this year."

"The festival has grown about 25 per cent each year since it started.

"I guess that means we better start bracing ourselves for 2009."