THE biggest Living Smart Festival in the event's 10-year history will begin tonight and continue over two jam-packed days of fun and educational activities.
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The festival begins tonight with the Feast for the Senses dinner under the stars at Speers Point Park. The event has already sold out.
The festival's program over Saturday and Sunday promises everything from workshops to reconnect urban-dwellers with nature, to expert presentations of low-impact living and, a new addition - a laid-back lakeside music festival.
Popular stalls and markets will operate across the weekend.
On Sunday, the traditional festival will make way for a free day of music across two stages, with food trucks and an over-18s bar.
Lake Macquarie City Council sustainability engagement coordinator Chris Harle said council had not set out to reinvent Living Smart, which has grown to become one of Australia's largest sustainability-themed events.
"However, we wanted to introduce some new, exciting and surprising elements to the event," Ms Harle said.
"We're hoping this will provide the opportunity to get our core message of sustainable everyday living to an even broader audience."
New to Saturday's program is a series of "rewilding" workshops, teaching participants ancient skills such as making fire by friction and weaving rope from scratch.
"There is a growing movement towards learning lost skills that we once depended on for our survival," Ms Harle said.
"They're a lot of fun, but they also teach something very useful."
Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis and Masterchef 2019 finalist Steph De Sousa are among the other major drawcards for Saturday's festivities.
De Sousa said she was excited to be part of the event for the first time.
"I've been to the festival as a visitor in past years, so to switch to the other side and be presenting is a huge thrill," she said.
Podcaster Brooke McAlary will present workshops on slow living and ethical decluttering, while the sisters behind fashion label High Tea With Mrs Woo will present a "live wardrobe edit", providing tips on how to maximise wardrobe choices and minimise waste.
LSF Sunday Sessions, presented by Hunter Resource Recovery, features two stages of music, with entertainment hand-picked to create a laid-back vibe.
"It's the perfect opportunity to come and enjoy a day out with friends or family by the lake and listen to some great tunes," Ms Harle said.
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Food, drinks and alcohol will be available at the venue.
People are encouraged to take a picnic and enjoy the afternoon, but BYO alcohol is not allowed.
Mayor Kay Fraser said Living Smart Festival had established itself as one of the city's flagship events.
"Council prides itself on its sustainability initiatives and projects, so it is fitting that Living Smart has become such a success," Cr Fraser said.
"The way Lake Macquarie has embraced this event and its messages is a credit to our great city."
A bike valet service will operate across the weekend, with free bus shuttles from Toronto and Croudace Bay also on hand, reducing the need to drive.
Living Smart Festival is sponsored by Hunter Resource Recovery, Greater Bank, The Good Guys, Stockland Glendale and Lake Macquarie City Farmers Market.
- Go to livingsmartfestival.com for more information.
