Central West Libraries manager Jan Richards was on the scene during the day and said the drink proved popular.

"With the adults as well as the children," she said.

Adults enjoyed pre-ordered hampers and their own nibbles on the lawns and old-style games were played, including noughts and crosses, skittles and croquet.

Mrs Richards said participants embraced the history of the setting.

"I made a comment to someone I didn't see anyone on their phone, they were just enjoying being outside, it was lovely," she said.

Blues musician Glenn Skarrat kept the crowds entertained, while Tully Richards was one of the experts taking people on mine tours during the day.

"I talked about the geology and the mining history," he said.

"I also talked a little bit about the potential future of what might still be there - we've certainly got gold, but not in the quantities that made the place famous."

The Lucknow goldfield was discovered in 1851.

The mine is usually open one on the first weekend of the month from 10am until 2pm.

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