Around 30,000 people are expected to descend upon Thirroul for a festival run by about 70 this weekend.
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The 27th annual Seaside Festival, organised by the Thirroul-Austinmer Lions Club, is heavily focused on the arts and will showcase the suburb’s best singers, dancers, painters and other creatives.
The major change this year is no talent quest, but that’s made room for two stages (one at either end of the suburb), more artists, more stalls and a barbecue lunch area.
Helium balloons will also be absent in a bid to save the environment and marine life, as what goes up must come down eventually.
Event coordinator David Hubbard said the changes were needed and hopefully would attract more people.
An art exhibition at the community centre opens the festival on Friday night before colourful characters, music and carnival rides take over the town centre on Saturday. Sunday will see more than 200 market stalls set up around Thirroul Beach.
Since its inception the festival has raised around $1 million which has gone into various community projects.
“The festival in the past has purchased equipment and beach vehicles for two local surf clubs, renovated disabled home, supplied nine local schools with art and library resources, helped Men’s Shed acquire premises, Kids Fund and local families and charities that need a hand,” Mr Hubbard said.
Meantime motorists should allow extra time if travelling through Thirroul on Saturday and Sunday with delays and some road closures likely.