The stage is set for one of Australia's biggest sustainability-themed festivals this weekend, with thousands of people expected to descend on the Lake Macquarie foreshore.
Living Smart Festival kicks off on Friday evening with Feast for the Senses, an evening of entertainment and sustainably sourced food prepared by Cooper Thomas, aka The Wilderness Chef.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the venue had been switched from Speers Point Park to Warners Bay Theatre due to the forecast wet weather.
"We'd have loved to have it under the stars, but given the forecast, the theatre is a fantastic alternative venue and we're pulling out all stops to make it an amazing evening," she said.
Saturday sees the return of gardening guru Costa Georgiadis to the main Living Smart Festival stage at Speers Point Park.
He'll be joined by a host of other personalities, workshop presenters and performers at the free 9am-2pm event.
Cr Fraser said the festival would be spread across the entire park, split into nine themed zones:
- Nature
- Kids
- First Nations
- Eat
- Green Home
- Resilience
- Electric vehicles
- Upcycle
- Grow
"This is a festival for everyone," Cr Fraser said.
"Whether you're already living a really green, sustainable life, or you're just starting to explore the concept, there's so much going on throughout the day."
A native plant giveaway, market stalls, a school garden bed competition and roving musicians and an enviro-themed magician are among the other Saturday highlights.
Speers Point Park will come alive again on Sunday from 10am for the inaugural Living Together Festival, a celebration of multiculturalism and what it contributes to the community.
Held 9am-2pm, the day will feature workshops, demonstrations, market stalls, world music, international cooking classes, global gardens and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and language sessions.
Living Smart Festival is proudly supported by major event partner Hunter Resource Recovery, and sponsors Allambi Care, Greater Bank, Hunter Water and University of Newcastle.
Go to livingsmartfestival.com.au for the festival program, transport options and map.
