newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie’s Float Your Boat will return to the city’s waterways this week, with illuminated boats, live entertainment and a giant roving octopus set to draw crowds to the foreshore.
The winter event will be staged on Friday, 19 June and Saturday, 20 June, with dedicated live viewing sites at Toronto and Warners Bay offering vantage points for the night-time procession of decorated vessels.
Theatre company Curious Legends will bring Goom, a large inflatable octopus puppet, to both live sites, alongside other illuminated ocean creatures and roving performers.
“Our roving puppets embrace connection and play, and Goom will feature interactive elements that open up a world of unknown possibilities for interaction,” Curious Legends Creative Producer Elli Eckersley said.
“Goom is a social creature, based on the Sydney common species, who are known to live communally.
“We are excited to see Goom and other lake critters take to Float Your Boat this year, and to share a little awe and wonder for our beautiful ocean dwellers with crowds at the live sites.”
The Toronto foreshore live site will operate on Friday night, followed by Warners Bay foreshore on Saturday night. Both will feature free music, children’s activities, food trucks, fluorescent kayaks, performers and roving illuminated puppets.
On the water, boats decorated with neon artworks will compete for public support in the Newcastle Permanent People’s Choice category. Three cash prizes will be awarded, with $1000 for the most popular display, $600 for runner-up and $400 for third place.
Reigning People’s Choice winner Megan Evans said the event brought people together during the colder months.
“It’s more than just creativity – it’s a bit of connection and finding these things to do in the cold winters nights as well, it’s a great reason for people to get out of the house,” she said.
Newcastle Permanent Chief Distribution Officer Paul Juergens said the customer-owned bank was pleased to support the event for a fifth year.
“Float Your Boat is a vibrant celebration of colour, creativity and community. Newcastle Permanent is proud to once again support this much‑loved event through the People’s Choice Award,” he said.
“We look forward to seeing the lake come alive with light, and to watching the community rally behind their favourite boat.”
Mayor Adam Shultz will also select Mayor’s Choice Award winners in two boat categories, 5-10m and 10m plus, with each winner to receive $400.
Event information, including route maps, viewing points, live site details, temporary road closures and People’s Choice voting, is available at lakemac.com.au/floatyourboat.
