Float Your Boat is primed to set sail on its best and brightest voyage to date with a new live site, fresh crew of nautical performers and more in store this Friday and Saturday.
Belmont foreshore will join Warners Bay and Toronto as hot spots to watch the fleet of neon boats float by with a raft of supporting activities planned right around the lake.
Live music, roaming illuminated performances, entertainment, children's activities and food trucks will be joined by a new attraction: fluorescent kayaks flowing in rhythm with the tunes.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the performances by Showtime Kayaking – featuring glowing helmets created at Swansea's Fab Lab – would add to the excitement of the annual extravaganza.
"Float Your Boat is a spectacular event and a true feast for the senses," she said.
"The inclusion of glowing kayak performances on the water this year will create an even more engaging program for visitors to our live sites."
An Open Streets Program grant from the NSW Government has supported the expansion of the popular live sites this year.
In addition to the new site at Belmont, the inclusion of road closures at each of the three sites will provide more room for spectators and better opportunities for local businesses to be part of the event experience.
Minister for Roads John Graham, who will join the flotilla on Friday night, said the NSW Government was delighted to support the Float Your Boat festival.
"Float your Boat is a great way to activate the lake in the winter season and provide a spectacle for the community," Mr Graham said.
"The Live Sites are an integral part of the experience, allowing onlookers to join in the fun from the shore and local businesses to get involved."
Launching from Empire Marina at Marmong Point on Friday, the flotilla will tour Bolton Point, Toronto Foreshore (6.30pm), Carey Bay, Kilaben Bay, Catalina Bay, Rathmines Park and Arcadia Vale before finishing at Wangi Wangi.
Saturday night's route begins at Belmont Foreshore from 6.30pm before cruising past Green Point Reserve, Valentine, Croudace Bay, Warners Bay Foreshore (7.40pm) and Speers Point Park, then to Empire Marina.
Three cash prizes will be offered in the Newcastle Permanent People's Choice category for the first time, with $1000 for the most popular light display, $600 for runner-up and $400 for third place.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Distribution Officer Paul Juergens said they were proud to be on board once again as the event's Commander sponsor.
"In the past two years we've been a proud partner, over 30,000 people have come along to see more than 30 amazing boats enter the parade and light up the lake, so signing on for a third year was our great pleasure," Mr Juergens said.
"Seeing the fluorescent flotilla gliding across our gorgeous lake has become an iconic part of winter, and the passion of everyone involved is an inspiring reminder of what makes Lake Macquarie such a special part of the world."
Cr Fraser will choose 'Mayor's Choice Award winners in two categories, five to 10 metres and 10m plus – who will each receive a prize of $400.
All members of the public who cast a 'People's Choice' vote will go in the draw to win a Lake Macquarie Cruises family pass 'Lunch on the Lake Cruise' for two adults and two children valued at $199 or a $100 Visa gift card.
