LESLEY Wickham was feeling on top of the world yesterday after a weekend of great attendances at the second Bellingen Music Festival.

As the co-coordinator, she said she had been feeling very nervous on Friday before the event began.

“It’s a big step from choosing acts to actually seeing it all unfold on stage,” Mrs Wickham said.

“The feedback has been very positive and there is heaps of enthusiasm for the event to continue.”

She said the surprise show stopper was musical theatre performer, Peter Cousens, who had the audience on the edge of their seats, hanging on his every word as he wrung emotion out of every syllable.

The other highlight was the ravishing female ensemble Ilythian.

“I felt like I was witnessing careers on the brink of exploding – so much talent – all scattering to the corners the world.”

The brainchild of charismatic composer 26-year-old Chloe Charody, the entire performance was spell-binding but especially soprano Simone Easthope, whose voice filled the Bellingen Memorial Hall with astonishing sweetness and clarity.