Central Coast Council’s award winning Wyong Lakes Festival is returning in November bigger and better than ever.

Once again, Tuggerah Lakes will take centre stage when more than 30 events make a splash from 12-20 November.

The nine day program will feature a full program of sporting, family, cultural, educational and live music events on and surrounding the Tuggerah Lakes catchment area including:

• Memorial Park, The Entrance
• Picnic Point, The Entrance
• McKenzie Reserve, Budgewoi
• Canton Beach foreshore
• Colongra Bay foreshore
• Long Jetty foreshore.

Council’s Events Officer, Ms Cobey Linsley, said this year’s program has expanded and will be focussed around the six key event hubs.

“We have even more events planned for this year’s Festival as well as some of the favourites from last year returning,” Cobey said.

“The opening weekend will be jam packed and include a spectacular free evening concert featuring headliner ’Thirsty Merc’ and fireworks.

“The popular Triathlon and Stand Up Paddle Board competitions will also be running on the opening weekend as well as a free brunch by the lake.

“The final weekend of the Wyong Lakes Festival will finish with a big splash and will see live bands, moonlight cinema, folk festival, water obstacle course and a street festival.

“We’ve had more interest this year from groups wanting to be a part of the Festival and have even more free events locked in the calendar.”

Some of the new additions to the 2016 Wyong Lakes Festival include Colour Ya World, Obstasplash, Lighthouse Folk Festival, Long Jetty Street Festival and Long Jetty Moonlight Cinema.

Council’s Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said he is excited about the opportunities the Festival will bring to the region.

“No wonder our Wyong Lakes Festival is winning state-wide awards, it’s a fantastic event that takes in one of the most iconic locations on the Coast – Tuggerah Lakes," Mr Reynolds said.

“The Festival is a great way for residents and visitors alike to take part in a wide range of interesting events and explore our beautiful lakes at the same time.

“I can’t wait to see the Lakes come to life on and off the water.”

All events are free for spectators to enjoy, with opportunities for people to participate in some events.

A full program will be available online from Thursday 1 September.