The NSW Seniors Festival is fast approaching and senior citizens across the Coast will have the chance to get involved in a range of events and activities from Friday 3 to Sunday 12 March.

The festival provides local seniors with a great opportunity to make new friends or spend time with old ones, learn a new skill or try something new.

It’s the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere and was previously known as NSW Seniors Week. The newly named festival now runs for 10 days thanks to its increasing popularity.

This year will see activities from stand up paddle boarding to cupcake decorating, and with over 80 events to choose from there’s bound to be something for everyone.

Our annual Seniors Concert has been sold out since January and never fails to impress. This year it will be held at The Art House in Wyong to accommodate more residents and includes entertainment and morning tea.

The popular Grandma Moses Art Exhibition - featuring entries from the over 50s competition - will be a highlight of this year’s festival, with an opening show on Friday 3 March at 10am at the Erina Library.

Next door at The Hub, there will also be a Seniors Short Film Session kicking off at 11am, featuring a series of eight short films as selected by a representation of the over 50s community.

On Wednesday 8 March, the Alison Homestead will be hosting a buffet breakfast with a range of guest speakers, a tour of the Museum, and information from volunteers about how to get involved.

The Seniors Festival is also a showcase of the wide-range of programs offered at Senior Centres right throughout the year.

Our Senior Centres and 50+ Leisure & Learning Centres offer a diverse range of programming and are home to a vibrant and friendly community of members.

At Long Jetty, there are regular yoga, Zumba and art classes; as well as table tennis and darts.

There is also a popular computer class, run by seniors for seniors - aiming to build confidence with using the internet, skype and email.

Terrigal’s 50+ Leisure & Learning Centre recently celebrated their 1,000th member following a membership drive from staff and volunteers to promote its growing range of activities. The centre offers fitness, line dancing, indoor bowls and bridge as well as subsidised hot meals.

Council’s 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres at Ettalong and Gosford also provide a space for ageing residents to volunteer, participate in a sport, join social groups and get involved in information sessions.

Our Toukley centre is one of the largest on the Coast with over 2000 members and is always hosting a number of activities to keep the community feeling young at heart.

With great programs running year-round there are plenty of opportunities for local seniors to get involved with our centres – and NSW Seniors Festival is a great starting point. Have fun and celebrate your age, wisdom and experience in a fun and friendly environment.

The NSW Seniors Festival is presented by the Department of Family and Community Services

A calendar of events will also be available from Council’s 50+ Leisure and Learning Centres, Senior Citizen Centres and Council’s Customer Service Offices and libraries.