The Lakes Festival returned in full swing this month with more than 20,000 people attending events surrounding the waterways across the 10-day program and close to $3.5M injected into the region’s economy.
Central Coast Council Unit Manager Community and Culture, Glenn Cannard, said it was the biggest ever program of events for this festival, with more than 30 individual events presented across the region.
“The Lakes Festival is one our region’s biggest and most exciting events, with this year’s festival injecting $3.472M into our local economy,” he said.
“The Light Up The Lake event alone attracted an estimated 8,000 attendees, which is an increase of 2000 since the event last ran in 2019.
“This is a great feat and something that all Council staff and local businesses who were involved in the event should be proud of given the festival has been cancelled for the past two years due to the pandemic.
“Wet weather this year also prevented a few planned events going ahead.”
Council worked with over 30 local businesses to deliver events including old favourites such as Terrigal beach markets, Toukley Arts and Craft Fair, Breakfast with the Birds and SUP Yoga.
Some new events were Waterside Weaving, Creative Nature Children’s Corner, Sunset Social: Latin on the Lake and the Women’s Surf Day to name a few.
Council Administrator Rik Hart said it was great to see locals and visitors connecting once again.
“Our local community and regional events continue to grow with the help and ideas from amazing local businesses,” he said.
“The Lakes Festival has always been a favourite on Council’s event calendar and the success of this year’s event has undoubtedly brought with it an important boost to our local economy and businesses.”
If you would like to be part of 2023 Lakes Festival event, Council will be seeking Expressions of Interest from new and returning businesses, companies, organisations and community groups with bold, innovative and ‘out of the box’ ideas from Monday February 6, 2023.
Keep an eye out on Council website for more information.
Source:
Media release, Nov 25
Central Coast Council