The Lake Mac Festival is set to make a bang this weekend as the region comes together to celebrate the annual event.
Spectacular fireworks displays will light up the sky as they’re released from three separate locations at the exact same time tonight.
In a first for the city, the identical pyrotechnics will launch at 9pm from three barges moored on the lake – at the northern end of Warners Bay, off Belmont and between Rathmines and Swansea.
Fireworks Factory pyrotechnician Chris Solomou said the displays would go for about 10 minutes, with shells soaring up to 200m above the lake before exploding in a shower of colour and light.
“This will be the first time we’ll have three displays on the lake at the same time,” he said.
“Once we’ve kicked off and we’re going, it should be a fantastic view, and some lucky people will be able to see two of the locations at the same time.”
Live-sites with free entertainment and food trucks will operate at Warners Bay, Belmont foreshore, Swansea Point, Rathmines and Booragul throughout the evening, but Lake Macquarie City Council manager arts, culture and tourism Jacqui Hemsley said dozens of other vantage points around the lake would also offer fantastic views.
“All of our live-sites will have COVID-safe plans in place, but for people who want to gather in smaller groups, there are so many places along the lake foreshore where they can enjoy these displays,” she said.
The fireworks mark the halfway point in a weekend of activities across Lake Macquarie.
On Saturday a free community breakfast with coffee vans, face-painting, family-friendly games and children’s entertainment will be held in Thomas H Halton Park, Croudace Bay, from 8am-noon. A free yoga session starts at 7.30am.
The entertainment includes an 8am ‘jolly pirate show’ by the Little Scallywagz, and live music from 9am by Hi-5 founding member Tim Harding.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the festival was a chance for people to get outdoors and enjoy some free entertainment.
“The great thing about all the sites involved in the festival is the amount of space at each,” she said.
“There is plenty of room across our beautiful lake foreshore to spread out and enjoy yourself safely with family and friends.”
On Sunday, a free ‘Oz Day Out’ of music, food and wine will be held in Speers Point Park, featuring wine, beer and gin stalls, Australian music, food trucks and a kids’ zone.
Go to lakemac.com.au for more information.
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