Lake Macquarie will be one of three Hunter Local Government Areas showcased by Surfest after the announcement its Festival of Surfing is set down for Redhead next month.
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It will be staged on January 28 and 29 and Surfest organiser Warren Smith said having it under their banner “was a major coup”.
“It was something we wanted to do, to bring Lake Macquarie into Surfest,” Smith said.
“We’ve got some of the best beaches on offer so let’s showcase them.
“It’s in its third year now and is a major part of Surfest and we want to continue to grow it.”
There will be longboard, shortboard and stand-up paddleboard divisions but the drawcard event will be the Teams Challenge.
It pits Lake Macquarie boardriding clubs against each other for a place in Surfest’s Orica Team Challenge at Stockton Beach the following weekend.
Surfest will also have events in Port Stephens Council and Newcastle City Council between January 21 to February 26.
“We are trying to develop the event to support the locals and the teams challenge is mainly for them,” Smith said.
“The ongoing support of Lake Macquarie City Council is very important for Surfest and the greater Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area,” Smith said.
“This event with Lake Macquarie City Council and the community of Redhead completes the circle for Surfest, as we aim to achieve wider community involvement in our festival.”
Heats will take place on January 28 January. Finals and the Team Challenge is on January 29.
Markets will be held in the Redhead Beach car park on both days.
“Surfing is very much part of the Lake Macquarie lifestyle and Council is delighted to be partnering with Surfest for the third year to present this festival,” Mayor of Lake Macquarie Kay Fraser said.
“The event creates a real buzz in the community and provides significant economic returns for the local economy.
“It is also a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase our city through beautiful Redhead Beach.”