The fourth annual Concert by the Lake in Matamata proved a big hit on Sunday, drawing it's largest-ever crowd from around the district and beyond.

Rotary Matamata publicity officer David Hulme says around 570 people turned up to watch Kiwi artists Bic Runga, Jamie McDell, and Two Many Chiefs perform.

'It's the biggest crowd we've had yet, so we're very pleased with that.

'The acts were absolutely fantastic. Each of them provided something a little bit different in terms of musical repertoire.”

Every year people gather at the rural property on Jondor Road, where musicians perform from a pontoon out on a lake. This year there was strong support both from Matamata locals and out-of-towners.

'We had a busload of people come down from Auckland, as well as people from north of Auckland, Tauranga, Maketu, and a big group from Cambridge.”

Sun Media freelance journalist Maddi Brown attended the event, describing the setting as ‘idyllic', with families enjoying picnics and the ample sunshine on offer.

'The singers were incredible, sounding just like their recordings and offered a great variety of easy listening tunes and entertainment,” she says.

'The stars of the show wandered through the crowds enjoying Bic Runga's closing performance after they had finished in true friendly, Kiwi style.”

Funds raised from the concert will go towards supporting the local rescue helicopter and youth initiatives around Matamata.

Singer Jamie McDell.

Rotary Matamata members Lachie, Kevin, Owen, and John.