It was wonderful to meet so many people on 16 November at Light up the Lake - Council’s iconic event that kicked off The Lakes Festival. 

Now in its ninth year, The Lakes Festival celebrated our magnificent local waterways with 10 days of community events running from 8-17 November.

Aimed at bringing people together to enjoy and learn more about our local waterways, The Lakes Festival offered a full and engaging program of events and activities across the Central Coast. 

With over 30 individual events, including kayaking adventures, sand sculpting, yoga by the lake, comedy nights, beach sports, fun run, theatrical performances, arts and crafts, cinema under the stars, live music and more – the festival had something for everyone!

A big thank you to festival sponsors - Mounties Group, University of Newcastle and Star 104.5 for making it possible.

Throughout the year, I encourage everyone to get out and about, discover new places and experience the wonders of our natural waterways.

The Lakes Festival has completed the national Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard with Ecotourism Australia and encourages you to plan ahead, take three pieces of plastic from the beach or lake, dispose of waste correctly and leave only footprints. 

For a full program of events, visit lovecentralcoast.com/lakesfestival

Mayor Lawrie McKinna