The boutique music weekend - which returns to Wingham Central Park on October 17 and 18 - boasts an exciting line-up of performers including a range of emerging local talents and professionals who will travel to the Manning especially for the festival.

The organisers have fielded interest from all over the State, and indeed the country, from artists keen to play the festival and people interested in coming to watch.

The festival has grown in reputation year-on-year since its debut in 2007 and this year's event is set to be the biggest and best yet.

The weekend will be headlined by Shane Howard, the man behind the massive anthem Solid Rock, which he recorded in 1982 with his legendary band Goanna.

The song, which was one of the first in rock to broach the subject of Aboriginal rights, reverberated across the airwaves and it still does today.

Howard has developed a reputation as one of Australia's greatest and most prolific songwriters, with artists such as John Farnham and Troy Cassar-Daley recording their own versions of his tunes.

The festival is focused on the artists performing their original songs in unplugged mode.

Other artists heading our way to share their talent are Dan Rumour from The Cruel Sea, Thrillbilly Stomp, Luke Davies and festival favourite Afro Moses.

Organisers will also serve up a smorgasbord of local talent including Kate Delaney and Craig Bourke, Love Parade, The Last Train, Up In Annie's Room, The Workshop, Wherrol B Flat, Millie Hauritz, Sophiella Watt, Diddley Squat, Peggy Van Zalm and Wills 'n' Ways.

Wingham's talented youth will also be put on show with performances from Tenika, Hydrafonics, Jim Bird and Illusion.

The Akoostik Festival is an alcohol-free, family-friendly event with plenty of children's activities and tasty food and market stalls.

Tickets are available now from Bent on Food or Ashlea Road Boutique in Wingham, Leading Edge Music in Taree and online at www.moshtix.com.au

Adult tickets are $25 for one day or $45 for a weekend pass; students are $20 for one day or $35 for a weekend pass. Under 12s are free. For more information, visit www.winghamakoostikfestival.com or phone 0447 771 736.