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Wangi’s turning into a special entertainment precinct

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Music gigs, comedy nights, sunset yoga, outdoor cinemas, food trucks and a number of family-friendly events are set to create a few bigs weeks of entertainment in Wangi Wangi.

During April, Lake Macquarie City Council is launching a special entertainment precinct which will see venues across the suburb host events while the region recovers from COVID-19.

Called Wangi Life, deputy mayor Jason Pauling said the pilot program run in partnership with the NSW government, is hoping to boost live music and performance after two challenging years.

“By supporting this initiative, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of musicians and live entertainers,” Cr Pauling said.

“Wangi is a unique pocket of our city. It’s on the water and is filled with a wide variety of venues, and we’re excited to showcase the area’s potential through this program.”

Dogs are Talking bassist Wendy Hood said her band was excited to perform on the opening night.

“COVID-19 impacted us immensely. We had a full year booked with gigs and everything was cancelled which was pretty devastating,” Ms Hood said.

“I think the more live music we see in Wangi Wangi, the better, especially after what the pandemic has hit us with over the past two years.”

Hotel Wangi owner Peter Coyne said he was proud to host nine local artists at his venue after they were held back by the pandemic.

“It’s the musicians that have really missed out,” he said.

“We were closed for two periods of three months, but the live entertainers have been locked out for a lot longer.

“I think it’s just going to be great to have live music back in venues where you can actually sing and dance, and where you don’t have any restrictions on numbers.”

Lake Macquarie was one of three NSW councils selected to run the program. Inner West Council and City of Sydney were also chosen by the state government for the Special Entertainment Precinct initiative. 

If the pilot is successful, it will be rolled out to councils across NSW.

All free and ticketed events held from Friday 1 April to Sunday 24 April can be found online at lakemac.com.au

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