Inclusion and illumination highlight Lake Mac Festival

Published on 19 January 2024

An unparalleled weekend of wonders is in store at the annual Lake Mac Festival, including dazzling fireworks and the Australian Deaf Games closing ceremony.

The highlight of the two-day festival is a truly unique fireworks display which will see pyrotechnics launch from four separate locations at 9pm Saturday 20 January.

Live sites hosting food and drink vendors, live music and roving entertainment will run on Saturday evening at Warners Bay Foreshore, Toronto Foreshore, Speers Point Park and Brooks Parade Reserve at Belmont.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said this year’s festival celebrated inclusivity with the closing ceremony of the Australian Deaf Games to coincide with the Speers Point Park live site.

“It’s an honour for our city to be co-hosting the Deaf Games, and to have the Lake Mac Festival run as well will ensure all communities are celebrated – and that’s what we’re all about,” she said.

“Speers Point Park will be a hive of activity on Saturday evening with a presentation of sports awards to go ahead from 4pm before the DJ, bar area and food trucks kick off.”

The festivities don’t end there, with a free community breakfast for the first 1500 attendees on the sparkling shores of Rathmines Park from 7:30-10:30am Sunday 21 January.

Local community groups will be cooking up a storm with pancakes, fruit salad, yoghurt, cereals, bacon and egg sandwiches and the Aussie staple, the humble sausage sizzle, on offer. 

The family-friendly event will include yoga sessions, live entertainment, a kids’ craft corner, egg and spoon races, three-legged races, and an activation with guest author Outback Jess.

The event is proudly sponsored by Carlo’s IGA.

For more information, visit lakemac.com.au