NEW ORLEANS, La. (WWL-TV) – The four-day ESSENCE Festival appears to be a success once again as nearly a half million people attended the event.

According to festival organizers, approximately 450,000 people attended the 2016 event, which featured 100 artists and 100 speakers held at the Ernest Morial Convention Center and the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

The speakers and performers included Oprah Winfrey, Tyra Banks, Misty Copeland, Rev. Al Sharpton, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Maxwell, Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar, New Edition, Faith Evans and Ciara.

The attendance is slightly down from the 2015 event, which estimated nearly 500,000 people. The 2014, the 20th anniversary drew over 550,000 people — a record attendance.