A stunning contrast of neon artworks splitting the night sky and a moonlit Lake Macquarie will cleave through the winter blues on Friday and Saturday night.
The annual Float Your Boat extravaganza will return with a fleet of up to 18 illuminated artworks set to dazzle and delight onlookers around the city’s waterways this winter solstice.
Local artist Angela Budden hopes her creation – a seagull stealing a hot chip – will cast a familiar figure for foreshore frequenters.
“I kind of went down that path of what Lake Macquarie means to myself and the community and the experiences that we have here,” she said.
“When I bring my family here usually it’s a beautiful day, we’ll stop by for some fish and chips and go down to eat by the water and inevitably somewhere along the line we’re going to see a flock of seagulls.
“For my two little boys it’s chaotic fun, they’re throwing chips everywhere and the seagulls are going bonkers, it’s fun and a memory that I will keep forever; I think it’s representative of moments that a lot of people experience in Lake Macquarie.”
Live viewing sites at Toronto (Friday), Warners Bay and Belmont (Saturday) foreshores will ignite each night with music, roaming illuminated performers, entertainment, children’s activities, food trucks, fluorescent kayaks and more.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the family-friendly festival was a staple on Council’s annual events calendar.
“Watching our lake come alive with fluorescent festivities on the water and shores is always a feast for the senses,” he said.
“I encourage everyone to head to a live site or vantage point along the route to experience the sights and sounds of Float Your Boat and be sure to cast a vote for your favourite creation.”
Launching from Empire Marina at Marmong Point on Friday, the flotilla will tour Bolton Point, Toronto Foreshore (6.30pm), Carey Bay, Coal Point, Kilaben Bay, Catalina Bay, Rathmines Park, Fishing Point and Arcadia Vale before finishing at Wangi Wangi.
Saturday night’s route begins at Belmont Foreshore from 6.30pm before cruising past Belmont 16s Sailing Club, Green Point Reserve, Valentine, Croudace Bay, Warners Bay Foreshore (7.40pm) and Speers Point Park, then back to Empire Marina.
Empire Marina CEO David Randall said the boaties were all ready and raring for another rousing voyage.
“This exciting event is all about coming together as a community and promises to be filled with fun, creativity, and a celebration of our local waterways,” he said.
“Participants always look forward to showcasing their unique and imaginative light designs to audiences at the live sites or along the flotilla route, and this year’s designs are some of the best yet.”
Three cash prizes will be offered in the Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice category with $1000 for the most popular light display, $600 for runner-up and $400 for third place.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Distribution Officer Paul Juergens said the customer-owned bank was proud to support the event for the fourth year.
“Float Your Boat is a fantastic celebration of community, creativity and local pride, and Newcastle Permanent is proud to once again support this much-loved event through the People’s Choice Award,” he said.
“As we mark 120 years of serving our communities, events like this are a wonderful reminder of the spirit that makes Lake Macquarie so unique. We look forward to seeing the boats light up the lake – and to seeing which one captures the public vote this year.”
All members of the public who cast a ‘People’s Choice’ vote for their favourite artwork will go in the draw to win a $100 VISA gift card.
Mayor Shultz will choose the ‘Mayor’s Choice’ Award winners in two categories, five to 10 metres and 10m plus – who will each receive a prize of $400.
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