The Wyong Lakes Festival made a big splash across the Coast this month, attracting over 40,000 people to events and activities over the nine days.

This is a twenty percent increase in numbers from the inaugural award winning festival held last year.

Council’s Grants and Events Coordinator, Ms Ashlee Abbott, was thrilled with the result and said the program had been designed to entertain, educate and delight and proved popular with a whole new audience.

“Not only did more people come than last year but more than 90 percent of people we spoke to said they will be back next year,” Ms Abbott said.

“That is a great platform to build on and we will continue to grow this festival into one of the premier events for the Central Coast.

The events that attracted the biggest crowds were Light up the Lake with headline act Thirsty Merc, the Lighthouse Folk Festival and Long Jetty Street Festival.

“It was the first time we staged a folk festival as part of the overall program, the combination of the iconic Norah Head Lighthouse as the backdrop to showcase not only local talented performers, but national performers like Paul Kelly, proved to be an irresistible combination,” Ms Abbott added.

“Light up the Lake and Long Jetty Street Festival were definitely the crowd favourites - attracting thousands and thousands of people at each event.

“They had the family atmosphere but also had a festival vibe for those looking for a great day out.”

Participation rates and spectators were also up at the annual Triathlon and Saltwater Stand Up Paddle Boarding Festival – attracting a wide range of competitors from outside the region.

Council’s Administrator Mr Ian Reynolds, said the festival was a great success as it showcased one of the region’s best assets and also had a real community feel.

“It makes you realise how lucky we are to have such a beautiful natural environment that we can enjoy and showcase to the world as well,” Mr Reynolds said.

“It was a festival for everyone – locals and visitors – that is what made it so special as well as adding that extra financial boost to our local economy and tourism that we can all benefit from.

“The festival also had the added bonus of educating our residents and visitors about the nature of our waterways and how we can all work together to improve our unique lakes system.”

Planning will start early next year for the annual Festival which will be held from 10-19 November 2017.