Lake Mac is set to come alive with the sights and sounds of the inaugural Fast and Loud Festival in May, with two thrilling weekends of action planned on and off the water.
The festival will play host to the Australian Power Boats Grand Prix, the local round of the Offshore Superboat Championships, and the popular Belmont Beers, Blues and BBQ evening.
Paul Bennet air-shows, motocross displays, concerts and family-friendly lakeside activities are also among the activities on offer.
Lake Macquarie Mayor, Kay Fraser, credited the return of large-scale outdoor events and festivals to easing COVID restrictions.
“After two long years where events have been few and far between, Fast and Loud will be fantastic fun for all ages,” she said.
“We’ve spread the action across two weekends and both sides of the lake to appeal to the largest possible audience.”
A free Friday night Super Sounds event featuring live music and food stalls along the foreshore will kick off the weekend on May 13, before the Offshore Superboat Championships roar into action from May 14 to May 15.
Lake Macquarie City promised something for everyone, with food vendors, children’s rides, a petting zoo and family-friendly live entertainment at the foreshore to continue the festival off the water.
Matt Hall Racing aircraft will do flyovers on both days, while Speers Point Park will host farmers’ markets on May 14 and a vintage car show on May 15.
The park’s Multi-Arts Pavilion Mima is set to host ARIA Hall of Fame blues legend Russell Morris on May 16, supported by The Viper Creek Band, The Appointments and Piper Butcher.
Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism, Jacqui Hemsley, said the second weekend included a host of activities on the western side of the lake at Rathmines Park.
“This will be an amazing weekend out,” she said.
“We’ll have the Australian Powerboat Grand Prix, a freestyle motocross show and the incredible stunts and aerobatics of the Paul Bennet Airshow, together with live entertainment, food and drinks.”
The Australian Power Boats Grand Prix will take place from May 21 to May 22, with accompanying lakeside action at Rathmines, including a ticketed Lake Macquarie Food and Wine Festival featuring more than 100 food and drink stalls.
Lake Macquarie City revealed that Blues singer-songwriter Ash Grunwald is set to headline this year’s event, supported by Caitlin Harnett and the Pony Boys and Justin Ngariki and the Dastardly Bastards.
Residents have been encouraged to visit the Lake Macquarie City website for more information on events and to secure tickets.
Maia O’Connor