The iconic surfing contest will return in February with a new event - the Lake Macquarie Longboard Classic. It will be held at Redhead Beach on February 14 and 15.

The event is among 11 others on the 2015 Surfest schedule, including the six-star ASP Burton Automotive Pro, the Burton Automotive Women's Classic and the Hunter Business Boardriders Pro Junior. They will be staged at some of the Hunter's best beaches, from Stockton to Dixon Park.

Away from the water, there will be another first. Throughout February and March, Newcastle Museum will hold its inaugural photographic exhibition of the city's surfing history from 1956 to 2010. All in all, it is expected to be a special celebration.

Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) general manager Dane Jordon said the governing body was thrilled to see one of the longest running events on the Australian pro-surfing tour celebrate its 30th anniversary.

"With its impressive history, list of winners and the prestige of having four-time ASP World Champion Mark Richards as event patron, the public can expect to see Australia's and the world's best surfers in action alongside the next crop of up-and-coming superstars," he said.

On Friday, Surfest organisers announced the program and were joined by guests and city representatives, who celebrated with a cake and triple cannon firing at Fort Scratchley.