X FACTOR Australia's 2014 runner-up, Dean Ray headlines Gympie's seventh annual Family Fun Night on Thursday night.

The New Year's Eve event, which last year drew a crowd of more than 3000, runs from 6-9pm in Nelson Reserve.

Organiser Troy Rowlands predicts this year's fun night will be another huge event.

Also on the night's schedule is Australian Institute of Country Music performer Ethan Roberts who is looking forward to playing his biggest crowd yet at the New Year's even event.

The Gympie Family Fun Night continues to grow in stature, bagging its second X Factor star in as many years.

Ray's appearance builds on last year's popular X Factor contestant, Rochelle Pitt, who showered the event in praise. This year, Ray and Roberts will be joined on stage by Sarah and Maggie Moro, The Dennis Sisters and Little Coin.

Children will be kept entertained with free rides, entertainment, free jumping castle and a bungee run as well as a velcro fly wall, an amazing rock wall and Splat air gun fun.

The event will culminate in a huge fireworks show at 9pm.