Float Your Boat Saturday cancelled – Friday to go ahead

Published on 21 June 2024

This weekend’s Float Your Boat event will be shortened to a one-night showstopper after a dangerous weather forecast forced the cancellation of Saturday night’s festivities.

Organisers made the decision on Friday afternoon in light of a forecast for unsafe wave heights, high winds, rain, low visibility and westerly winds blowing against the direction of the flotilla on Saturday evening.

Saturday’s live sites at Belmont and Warners Bay have also unfortunately been cancelled.

Organisers encouraged the community to support the event by attending tonight’s live site at Toronto foreshore from 4.30pm to 8.30pm or enjoy the parade from a viewing site along the route.

“We are disappointed to cancel Saturday’s events but for the safety of the boaties and public it was the right call to make,” a Council spokesperson said.

“We encourage the public to turn out and enjoy the spectacular sights and sounds of Float Your Boat at tonight’s Toronto live site.”

Prizes will still be awarded for Mayor’s Choice and the People’s Choice Awards.

The community can cast a vote for their favourite artwork and go in the draw to win some great prizes by visiting www.lakemac.com.au/floatyourboat

Float Your Boat is hosted by Empire Marina Lake Macquarie and supported by Commander Sponsor Newcastle Permanent, Admiral Sponsor Wangi District Workers Club and Captain Sponsor Belmont 16s Sailing Club.

The NSW Government provided $50,000 from the Open Streets Program to support onshore activities for Float Your Boat and this year’s Fast and Loud Festival in October.