ENTERTAINMENT has been given a facelift in Gladstone with the city set to attract a variety of international, national and local shows to the region in 2014.

Since the new Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre doors opened, the centre has already hosted about 7500 people who turned out to 10 shows and 10 functions over 26 working days.

These are all before the official GECC opening on January 22.

The Zinc Studio 927 Party of the Year was held at the centre on Friday night.

GECC marketing manager Garry Hansen said next year would be bigger and better than ever, with two or three international acts (which couldn't be named) currently in the program pipeline.

"There will be better quality acts, events and more excitement for the population of Gladstone," Mr Hansen said.

Next year one of the biggest drawcards is internationally recognised Australian band Birds of Tokyo.

"It will cost us a lot of money but it's worth it," Mr Hansen said. "It's also about showing off that we can bring someone like that up here."

Mr Hansen was ecstatic about the line-up of upcoming 2014 events.

It includes comedian David Strassman, multi-ARIA award-winner Wendy Matthews and American country music legend Kris Kristofferson.

Gladstone musician Brad Fry said the upcoming acts were a positive thing for the region and the GECC would make a huge difference.

"I think it's cool. As it's generally the one thing Gladstone misses out on - a lot of the bands go to Rockhampton or skip on down south."

He said with the entertainment centre being the big facility it was now, it was a good place to use for many things.

"If you're getting the big names, it's good for the town - people can now stay home and see some good shows."

2014 GECC EVENTS:

January

Winter Magic - ice skating and tobogganing

Sunfest 2014

Journey - official opening dinner

February - March

Morning Melodies - Jackie Love

Agnes Water Blues and Roots Festival

David Strassman

April

Morning Melodies - Ian Stenlake

Kris Kristofferson

June

Peace Train - The Cat Stevens Story

Morning Melodies - Little Pattie

August

Morning Melodies - Simon Gallaher

October

Morning Melodies - Rhonda Burchmore

December

Morning Melodies - Kamahl