Ready to rock Manning music festivals

The Novocastrians play the Old Bar Beach Festival on the October long weekend and the Akoostik Festival on October 17to 19.

The rock and blues group first formed in 2004 in Newcastle, and have built a reputation as a stellar live act

Harry's Lookout (pictured) will be making a return to both festivals, having played last year's Old Bar Beach Festival and the Akoostik Festival in 2012.

Founding member and Old Bar resident Jacob Cook has been a constant over the band's 10 year history.

The guitarist/vocalist spent his younger years in Port Macquarie, and it was a treasured local spot which inspired his band's name.

"I grew up in Port Macquarie and 10 years ago we needed a name and Harry's Lookout came into my head," he said.

"It's got a lot of good childhood memories for me, and we play a laid back style of surf music so the name goes well with it."

Harry's Lookout are currently working on their upcoming album, a recording the singer said he couldn't wait to release. "We're working on a new album which should be out early next year and it's called Cause and Effect," he said.

"We tend to have a theme for every album and this one it's 'everything you do has a reaction'."

The Neil Young fan said his band has an eclectic style.

"We just play different styles, we don't just play one style," he said.

"I suppose we are acoustic blues with a bit of rock, folk, country and roots as well."

Jacob said the band played fewer gigs than in their earlier days.

"Ten years ... it's been a long time and we're not playing every Saturday night like we used to, that's been the biggest change," he said.

"Three of our members including myself have young children, so we have different priorities now."

Harry's Lookout will be playing the first night of the Akoostik Festival which has an extended lineup this year.

"The Akoostik Festival is growing mate, as they've added another night and we're playing on the Friday," he said.