It’s become the biggest event on the Mid North Coast. Old Bar Beach Festival is set to draw in a crowd of more than 35,000 people this October long weekend.
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Festival vice president Erin Byrne said the free event’s attendance increased by at least 10,000 last year, and continues to grow and grow.
“I think it’s word of mouth,” Erin said.
“There is a really strong Kombi community, who spread what we do.”
The iconic Volkswagen Kombi has now become synonymous with Old Bar and the beach-side festival. This year more than 300 Kombis are expected to take part in the annual display and parade.
The parade will commence at 4pm from the airstrip along Old Bar Road and to the roundabout at the highway, going all the way around and then back into Old Bar.
Erin said, this year music has been a huge focus of the committee. Organised by committee member and musician Jacob Cook, the lineup draws in popular triple j acts such as The Ruiins, as well as solid local bands.
“Music is really important for the family atmosphere of the festival,” said Erin.
Running in conjunction with the live music, is the festival’s Beach Bar – a coastal inspired pop-up bar filled with boutique wine, beer and ciders.
Newly added to the festival’s official program this year is Saltwater Boardrider’s Kev Lee Memorial Cup surf competition, which kicks off from 7am on Saturday October 1 at Old Bar’s main beach.
On Saturday night, you can take part in the Light the Night Leukaemia Foundation Lantern Walk from 6pm.
With more sponsors on board, the 7.30pm fireworks display is set to be bigger and better. On both days, the mega-markets will feature close to 200 stalls stocked with a huge variety of goods.
Saturday music
- Music of Joy 9.40am
- Geoff Turnbull 11.30am
- Bennett Brown 12.30pm
- The Ruiins 1.30pm
- Eddie Boyd 2.30pm
- Harrys Lookout 3.30pm
- Ghost Road 4.30pm
- Sea Gypsies 6.10pm
Sunday music
- Alyse Gray 10am
- The Girl Folder 12pm
- Jay Davis Trio 1pm
- Mitch King 2.10pm
- Ivy 3.10pm