Central Coast Council has started planning for The Lakes Festival 2017 and is looking for new ideas to build on last year’s success.

The Festival has been bumped up to a massive 10 days providing more opportunities for additional activities and events on and around the Lakes from 10-19 November.

Council Group Leader Connected Communities, Ms Julie Vaughan, said Council is looking to expand the events and activities that residents and tourists alike can get involved in at the ever growing annual Festival.

“We are looking for new, innovative and different ideas to build on the success of our annual Festival which is becoming bigger and better every year,” Ms Vaughan said.

“There are plenty of ways to be involved – we want new event ideas that can attract visitors from outside the region and in turn attract interest for those who may want to sponsor an event as well.

“Straight after last year’s successful event, ideas are already starting to come in from those interested in becoming part of this year’s Festival – we have a lot of innovative, creative and passionate people here on the Coast and we want to harness that to make the Festival even better than ever.”

Last year The Lakes Festival attracted over 45,000 people from the Coast and beyond, with more days and event hubs, the Festival is bound to attract even more to the area.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the popularity of this Festival is growing each year and showcases one of the Coast’s best assets.

“Our waterways are the centre piece of this Festival and makes you realise just how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful place,” Mr Reynolds said.

“This Festival is aimed at everyone – locals and visitors, the young and old, the active and artistic – and even has the bonus of adding that extra financial boost to our local economy and tourism that we can all benefit from.

“I’m excited to hear about the new innovative ideas and events the Festival will attract this year.”

Innovation Funding applications close Friday 31 March 2017. For more information on running an event or if you're interested in sponsoring the Festival, contact Central Coast Council today by visiting wyong.nsw.gov.au/wyonglakesfestival