‘‘We have our biggest line-up ever this year with 180 artists, including 15 international artists,’’ artistic director David De Santi said.

The festival will begin at noon on Thursday with a traditional Italian lunch and music at the show pavilion.

Friday’s full day of festivities will officially kick off the event. 

The Pearl Party parade will precede the Pearl Ball on Friday evening and people are encouraged to dress up.

‘‘We would love people to dress up for the night in anything connected with pearls – from pirate gear to burlesque to royalty,’’ Mr De Santi said.

The showground is expected to be crowded this weekend with all 1000 camping passes already sold. 

A number of stages and marquees are being erected across the showground site to accommodate the huge variety of acts.

‘‘We are building an artist’s community to house as many artists as possible with the rest being billeted by families in the northern suburbs’’, Mr De Santi said.

‘‘People who live in the area are quite artistic and like to get involved’’.

Every year, two charities split the takings from Thursday’s ticket sales as well as the proceeds from the day’s raffle.

This year’s charities are The Denny Foundation and Cystic Fibrosis NSW.

Tickets are available online or at the gate.