The sensational sights and sounds of Float Your Boat will return to the shores of Lake Macquarie this winter solstice, transforming the city's waterways into a shimmering procession of vivid vessels illuminating the night.
Dazzling displays won't be exclusive to the lake, with luminous entertainment in all shapes and sizes in store for those at dedicated live sites on 19 and 20 June.
Dipping its tentacles into the spectacle this year is theatre company Curious Legends, ready to embrace crowds with all eight limbs of 'Goom', an affectionate and mischievous roving inflatable octopus.
The larger-than-life Goom will feature alongside a host of other ocean critters at the Toronto and Warners Bay live sites.
"Our roving puppets embrace connection and play, and Goom will feature interactive elements that open up a world of unknown possibilities for interaction," Curious Legends Creative Producer Elli Eckersley said.
"Goom is a social creature, based on the Sydney common species, who are known to live communally.
"We are excited to see Goom and other lake critters take to Float Your Boat this year, and to share a little awe and wonder for our beautiful ocean dwellers with crowds at the live sites."
The live viewing sites at Toronto (Friday 19 June) and Warners Bay (Saturday 20 June) foreshores will ignite each night with free music, roving illuminated puppets, performers, entertainment, children's activities, food trucks, fluorescent kayaks and more.
The venues are the perfect vantage point to enjoy the main event - a fluorescent fleet of boats adorned with eye-catching neon artworks all vying for your vote as people's choice.
Reigning People's Choice winner Megan Evans said it was always a treat to thrill and delight onlookers by bringing a creative concept to life.
"It's more than just creativity - it's a bit of connection and finding these things to do in the cold winters nights as well, it's a great reason for people to get out of the house," she said.
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 excited to support the event for the fifth year.
"Float Your Boat is a vibrant celebration of colour, creativity and community. Newcastle Permanent is proud to once again support this much‑loved event through the People's Choice Award," he said.
"We have been serving local communities for more than 120 years, helping bring local ideas to life - especially ones like this that connect our communities in fun and memorable ways.
"Each year Float Your Boat is such a great reminder of what makes Lake Macquarie such a special place to live and visit.
"We look forward to seeing the lake come alive with light, and to watching the community rally behind their favourite boat."
Mayor Adam Shultz will also choose 'Mayor's Choice' Award winners in two categories: 5-10m and 10m plus, with each to receive a prize of $400.
