Opera by the Lake
4 March, Tuncurry
Opera by the Lake was staged for the first time in 2016 at John Wright Park besides the beautiful Wallis Lake with a background of the iconic bridge and the town of Tuncurry. Developed in response to market research that revealed a significant demand for this type of art form to be presented in an outside forum, the 2016 was a resounding success attracting visitors from Sydney, the Hunter region and further afield. This second event in 2017 will feature vocalists from Voci Stupende and musicians from String Musicians Australia.
Latin Spirit, The Sounds of Tango & Flamenco
3-16 April, Bermagui
The Sounds of Tango & Flamenco is a new festival, to be held every two years at the renowned Four Winds site in Bermagui, celebrating the music of tango and flamenco. Built on the talents of Four Wind’s new artistic team, led by internationally renowned musician James Crabb, the new festival aims to attract visitors to Bermagui in the years between the established Four Winds Festival. Sounds of Tango & Flamenco will offer a series of 6 main performances and 8 participative sessions and workshops over the Easter period.
Toast the Coast” Food Wine and Music Festival
1 April, Gosford
The Toast the Coast Festival is the Central Coast’s premier food, wine & music event. The festival is focused on providing an adult experience in food and cooking demonstrations, kitchen and catering supplies, fine wines, craft beers and ciders, free live music and kids’ entertainment. The event features renowned Celebrity Cook & Author, Julie Goodwin – Australia’s first MasterChef. Conveniently located with plentiful, free on-site parking and free shuttle transport to Gosford rail station, the event is a great day and an unforgettable experience.
Batemans Bay Paddle Challenge
5-6 May, Batemans Bay
The Batemans Bay paddle Challenge consists of a series of paddle based events that showcase the pristine waters of the beautiful Clyde River between Batemans Bay and Nelligen, via Rocky Point, Big Island, Little Island and Razorback Rock. With events and courses at all experience levels, from elite and masters to family groups, the event aims to bring a wide range of new visitors to engage with and explore this beautiful part of the South Coast of NSW during a traditionally off-peak season. In addition to the paddling events, the B2B Challenge will include a welcome event on the Friday evening and on-shore activities for families and friends of paddlers during Saturday
www.batemansbaypaddlechallenge.com.au
Burradise Festival
12-14 May, Cullburra Beach
Culburra Beach is a spiritual, creative and innovative hub in the Shoalhaven region and the Burradise Festival will celebrate the town’s beach, surf and coastal culture through a showcase of the very best locally made talent, entertainment, arts, music, multicultural food, culture, products and produce. The Burradise Festival is designed to attract new and repeat visitors to Culburra Beach by providing them with a three day program of events and activities that everyone will enjoy across three community festival hub spaces. The festival has been curated based on visitor research and consultation to provide a unique event and visitation experience.
www.culburrabeachfestival.org.au
Harvest Festival
10-11 June, Mangrove Mountain & Peats Ridge
The Harvest Festival was developed by Central Coast Council, in partnership with the Central Coast Plateau Chamber of Commerce, to leverage the Harvest Trail farm gate tour on Tourist Route 33 which traverses the Hunter Valley from Calga to Branxton. The inaugural Festival will be a weekend celebration of the fantastic local produce from the region, with a focus on the start of the citrus season in early June. The Festival program is designed to guide attendees along the Harvest Trail, encouraging visitation at multiple local farms which will have activations available at each location, culminating in a major event on the Sunday.
Love Seafood - Port Stephens
1-31 August 2017, Nelson Bay
From prawns to fish and lobsters to oysters - the mouth-watering range of Port Stephens’ seafood is unique. A fantastic asset, the quality of the seafood is celebrated at the annual Love Seafood. First held in August 2016, the event included Fish to Dish lunch specials at over fifteen Port Stephens restaurants; two signature event weekends aimed at both families and foodies; industry educational talks; and activities such as dedicated seafood cruises and marine displays. The 2017 event will include a calendar of activities that will enhance Port Stephens’ position as the number one destination for fresh local seafood in NSW.
Grazing Down The Lachlan
23 September 2017, Forbes
At Grazing Down the Lachlan, guests will be treated to an experience like no other. Held beside the tranquil Lachlan River beneath breathtaking river gums and on a stock route synonymous with Wiradjuri Songlines and Drovers, this exciting new food event presents an epic long lunch featuring seven food stations. Developed by the Forbes Arts Society together with renowned Sydney chefs O Tama Carey and Mat Lindsay, this gastronomic feast offers a diverse menu. Participants will be welcomed to country, then free to wander along a designated corridor of the reserve, enjoying portions of delicious food and matched beverages. The food will be authentic, of the place and a sophisticated fusion of both locally farmed produce and foraged native foods.
Clarence Town River Country Festival
27-29 October 2017, Clarence Town
The Clarence Town River Country Festival is a community-based, volunteer-powered country music festival that offers great entertainers, music workshops, talent quests, quality food, markets, displays and rides. Featuring live entertainment and gourmet food on Friday evening, a hoedown on the Saturday and car show on the Sunday, the event offers a weekend of entertainment designed to draw visitors from the greater Hunter, Manning, Central Coast and Sydney areas. The annual event takes place over a spring weekend in October and closely complements the other festivals that occur during spring within the greater Dungog Region.
The Perfect Light Film Festival
24-27 November 2017, Broken Hill
The Perfect Light Film Festival (PLFF) is a free annual short film festival held in November that earmarks Broken Hill as an arts and tourism destination. The PLFF will provide a platform for local and national talent to showcase their films as well as engage the local community in the arts. In addition, the PLFF aims to be a leader in innovation by running solely through solar power. The program will include a street parade to open the event on the Friday evening, film screenings on Saturday evening and filmmaking workshops on the Sunday.
