They came early and by the dozens as they sought to snag the best spot for the day-long event at Speers Point Park.

The Hawes family, of West Wallsend, braved the rain to attend the festival for the third year in a row, while young sisters Maea and Larni Andrews turned up early to check out the free kids' entertainment.

But there was something for all, with markets, a Scallywags Nursery Rhyme Adventure show and the annual Guides and Scouts canoe race.

Deep Creek Road opened the evening concert before Bushwackers and Dragon took to the stage and kicked things up a notch.

The event wrapped up at about 9pm with a fireworks finale on the lake.