Due to COVID-19 free online registrations were implemented and there was a cap at 3,000, but despite all 3,000 spots having been booked, and none of which were cancelled, only 2,156 people attended the night.

Dubbo Show Society Inc president Wesley Temessel said it was 'sad', as there were more than '800 spots which could have been filled by people who missed out on the registrations', had those who planed to go and changed their mind just cancelled their registration.

The Dubbo Show Society Inc had asked community members to cancel their free tickets online if their plans had changed so their spots could reopen to the public, but despite their efforts, residents failed to do so, causing the Dubbo Show Society Inc to reconsider the fee-free registration.

Community member Jim Propert said he believes the issue was the result of registrations having been made free.

"I think next time, put a price on the tickets," he said.

Kate Hillsley, who was one of the unlucky ones who missed out registrations, also pointed the blame at the lack of a fee.

"That's the problem when it's free, people buy multiple tickets and people like me, and the other 100 plus people watching from outside on the street, miss out," she said.

Cherie Greaves said; "Shame on those who got tickets and didn't show up."

Mr Temessel said the Dubbo Show Society will definitely be holding another New Year's Eve event this year.

"We raised more than $3,000 from the event through gold coin donations, so some of that money will go towards our next years New Year's Eve event," Mr Temessel said.