www.theentrance.org.au
New South Wales' Central Coast has an abundance of beaches to explore, wildlife to enjoy, food to excite, music to entertain you and art to adore, with many aspects of these incorporated into festivals. Flavours by the Sea is one such festival that combines the best of these in one place at Memorial Park, whilst also celebrating Harmony Day and the message that 'Everyone Belongs'.
Hosted by Akmal and Mandy from Radio 107.7 2GO, the main stage features a range of culturally diverse local and international acts that include Harry James Angus (of the Cat Empire) with his brand of jazz, reggae group King Tide, Aboriginal men's group The Glen Dancers, Central Coast Regal Chinese Dance Group, Nga Waka E Whitu Maori Club, Russian Community Group, local musicians from The Rhythm Hut and many more.
The Rhythm Hut
On the food side, Flavour Food Alley will have your taste buds salivating with a number of food trucks and stalls bringing you the cuisines of India, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, Japanese and other Asian specialities, along with Mexican, German, South American, American BBQ, Turkish Gozleme, Spanish and Paella, full of spice.
Just a sample of what one can expect
Art comes into focus in the Harmonic Forest, a light display of illuminated trees that narrate live visual stories created by you. Yes you. Festival visitors can take part in a workshop to produce designs and images, contributing their history and accounts or pleasures of life. These will then be catalogued and projected throughout this magical forest.
Cultural craft and activities include origami, calligraphy, tea tasting and tai chi. The park has its own attractions too. The young ones will love Vera's Water Garden with its colourful character fountains and paddling pool. Older children and parents can often be seen enjoying the giant chess and, at 3.30pm each day, dozens of pelicans fly in for a feed. For all ages, it's a sight not to be missed.
Vera's Water Garden
Pelican feeding time
You can find Memorial Park by the waterfront on Marine Parade at The Entrance. There's plenty of parking and amenities and it's a beautiful place for this free family-friendly afternoon festival that runs from 3.30pm-8.30pm.
