Congratulations Newcastle. We've just nailed the biggest event in the city's history, with a whopping 192,000 fans enjoying the Newcastle 500 as the inaugural race weekend ran like a well-oiled machine. In their social media feeds and on live TV coverage around Australia and the world, images of the city's rich architectural mix and seaside splendour gained unprecedented exposure.
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The watershed weekend will be followed by major Smart City developments, completion of the Bathers Way, the light rail and a cruise terminal in the months and years ahead. These emerging drawcards, to echo Tourism Hunter Chairman Will Creedon, could one day see up to 400,000 people enjoying our harbour foreshore and surrounds on weekends.
Although the Supercars spectacular has come to a screeching halt, it was just the beginning of a super summer line up. A live orchestra, big-band music and choir-sung Christmas carols make Serenade Under the Stars a family evening not to be missed in Civic Park this Friday.
On Sunday, about 10,000 motorcyclists will snake their way from Stockton to Wickham for the 40th annual Bikers for Kids Toy Run. The event helps The Salvation Army brighten Christmases for needy families. It aims to raise $40,000 and collect 20,000 gifts this year. King Edward Park's traditional Carols by Candlelight will return on Friday 15 December.
