RUSSELL CROWE has thrown a massive party for his friends - but it was just a Christmas party and not the wedding to lover MEG RYAN as thought.

Meg did not even show at the bash in the tiny Australian country town of Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, who have been anticipating a Hollywood-style New Year wedding for weeks since the GLADIATOR star had a huge white marquee erected in the grounds of his home.

There were certainly signs of a mega party at Crowe's isolated ranch, Nana Glen, just 20 miles from the town. Members of Crowe's rock band - 30 ODD FOOT OF GRUNTS - flew into the town's airstrip a few days ago and put on a concert for close friends, including actors JACK THOMPSON, VIRGINIA HEY and KYM WILSON.

But while 36-year-old Crowe partied Down Under, new love Meg was enjoying herself in the ski resort of Aspen, Colorado - where GOLDIE HAWN's daughter KATE HUDSON is getting married.

(CB/WNSMI/CPT)

Source: WENN