Poetry Party Club leader Ray Wright said the event was so popular they had to turn people away, which was a real testament to how well-loved Turner was throughout Central Otago.
"It was of our doing that we put it all together, but it was certainly his reputation that got people there."
Mr Wright said the night was not just a celebration of National Poetry Day, but of Turner’s life, his work and his advocacy for poetry.
The evening was based around recitals, with 12 guests reciting Turner’s poetry.
One highlight of the evening was the audiovisual presentation that was displayed all night long, he said.
Throughout the evening, film was played of Turner reading his poems alongside one of his favourite rivers; later a recording of when he got his laureateship was also played to the audience.
"We had him there the whole night," Mr Wright said.
Another highlight was the karakia read by Louise McKenzie, which set the tone for the whole evening.
The moving karakia talked about the Central Otago landscape as well as Turner and his family, Mr Wright said.
Mr Wright said they were very fortunate to have Turner’s brothers there, who were very moving.
"They talked to each other in a brotherly sort of way and they also made jokes about Brian."
Glenn, Brian’s cricketing brother, sang a song especially for the event about the "Southern Man", with words written to reflect the sadness of losing a brother and also to highlight some of Brian’s qualities.
"Glenn sang in an amazing a capella voice ... it was a really good song," Mr Wright said.
If anyone present had not known Brian well beforehand, they certainly did by the end of the event, Mr Wright said.
