Despite many local events in Lake Macquarie struggling for funding over the past two years, the Belmont community has thrown its financial support behind a new festival.

The inaugural Lakefest will be held around various locations in Belmont from Friday, March 19 to Saturday, March 21.

The three-day event will be kicked off with a cocktail party at the 16fters, with all funds raised going to Belmont Hospital and the Belmont division of Red Cross.

Among the events planned will be a vintage and classic car show, kayaking in Belmont Bay, cruises on the Wangi Queen, an outdoor movie night in Belmont South Reserve, market stalls and a fireworks display.

There will also be a talent quest between local schools held over the three weeks prior to the festival, with the finals to be held on Saturday, March 20, at Belmont Citicentre.

The event has been organised by the Belmont Chamber of Commerce to highlight the suburb’s attractions and has been given the full support of the local business community.

Belmont town coordinator Jenny Barrie said she was excited by the support people had given the fledgling event so far.

“It’s very hard for us to stage events with the funding cuts we have had from council,” she said.

“We are supposed to promote town centres so (the chamber) has to do it all or beg and borrow for sponsorship and we have got about $14,000 from sponsors to throw a big event.”

Ms Barrie said the event had been planned to coincide with other festivals and events held in Lake Macquarie in the coming weeks and months.

“This is not just for Belmont but for Lake Macquarie,” she said.

“We want to cross promote with other festivals like the (NSW) Surf Life Saving Carnival (at Blacksmiths Beach), Paddlefest, Classic Boatfest and Surfest.

“Hopefully someone could one day get all of these events together to promote the Hunter Valley.”

A growing list of events and activities for Lakefest can found at www.lakefest.com.au or inquiries can be made to Jenny Barrie at 4945 5079.