Music lovers are set for some great entertainment this weekend and early August as two of the Coast’s biggest free music festivals return with more locals and visitors expected to attend.

Central Coast Council’s popular Winter Blues and Jazz Festival will be back on 13-15 July with its equally popular Country Music Festival to be held on 10-12 August.

Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said even more locals and visitors were expected to visit the Coast to enjoy the outstanding line-up of modern musicians who will challenge preconceived ideas about Blues, Jazz and Country music.

“The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival and the Country Music Festival are popular free events run by Council which bring people together to celebrate music.” Mr Cannard said.

“The Festivals both run for three days with many local venues featuring live entertainment in their establishments on the Friday, buskers and The Entrance Markets operating on the Saturday, and the main events taking to the stage on the Sunday.

“Memorial Park will also come alive with food stalls, rides and activities this year, and Country Music Festival will give the community a sneak-peak of our talented artists who will be involved in Council’s free four-day pavement art event – ‘Chalk the Walk’ – to be held on 4-7 October 2018.

“There will be a lot for families, music and art lovers on the Coast over the next few months so keep an eye out on our webpage and Facebook for event updates.”

The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival is held annually in July and is a celebration of Blues and Jazz music on the Coast. Performers this year include Johnny Devilseed & Old Man Rubes, Katie Noonan and Band, The Strides, Cass Eager & The Velvet Rope, The Odd Mods and Mimosa Duo.

The Country Music Festival is held annually in August and presents a new movement of contemporary Country music inspired by today’s pop, rock and alternative genres. Performers this year include Brad Cox – 2018 Toyota Star Maker winner, Andrew Swift, Gretta Ziller, Peter Denahy, Homegrown and Adam Eckersley Band.

Central Coast Council Mayor Jane Smith said the Festivals are a celebration of music on the Coast and the events unite people who have a shared interest in music, entertainment and the arts.

“The Winter Blues and Jazz Festival and the Country Music Festival provide a unique opportunity for locals, visitors and families to come together, relax and enjoy free live entertainment.” Mayor Smith said.

“Council is delighted to present these free events for the community – we believe they are important in bringing our community together and in supporting local people and local businesses.

“In the past, both events have attracted approximately 6,000 and 9,000 families, friends and visitors to the region respectively and have supported economic development in our region.

“I invite music lovers everywhere to join me and enjoy the fantastic line-up of local and interstate artists who will be playing for our community in July and August.”

To view the programs or for more information visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events