Australian music legends Something for Kate will lead the charge at Shellharbour's all-ages music festival at Blackbutt Reserve on Saturday April 9.
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The Hidden Forest invites people of all ages to "groove amongst the gumtrees" to the melodies of Tired Lion, Ziggy Ramo, Sahara Beck, Charlie Collins and Bec Sandridge in a family-friendly environment.
"It's really a unique day out, it's such a beautiful, peaceful oasis in the middle of the city and bring some of the country's best bands and a little bit of [music] nostalgia," said organiser Jamie Dawson, from Shellharbour City Council.
He said the concept wasn't to compete with Wollongong's Yours and Owls, but to create a boutique festival made more accessible by council who can absorb some of the costs while engaging with local businesses.
The Hidden Forest will have food stalls, craft beer and wine, handmade markets, hair braiding with Courtneyanne, plus psychic medium Kerry Nelson.
Food stalls will include Amigos, RJ Vegan Food, Wollongong's Balinese Spice Magic; sweet treats from Gelatissimo, OMG Decadent Donuts and Dos Churros.
For adults, there will be a boutique gin and vodka bar by Headlands Distilling Co, craft beer by Five Barrel Brewing and a selection of local Simall Wines from The Wine Hub Wollongong.
Mr Dawson has lived in the region since 2006 but only discovered the reserve a few years ago and found many residents didn't realise it existed - hence naming the event Hidden Forrest.
"We'd expect about 1500-2000 [patrons] on the day," the organiser said. "That brings a really great festival atmosphere and it's not too big to be overwhelming for anyone. That's important to us to have a festival that's accessible ... and not have the intense big crowds."
He's also responsible for a number of other arts and entertainment initiatives aimed at growing the city's cultural landscape including Symphony by the Sea, Enchanted Forest, Mural Festival and the Live & Local series which will see rising stars The Vanns perform for free at Shell Cove Marina on June 18.
"The region itself has an incredible history of creativity and the creatives and the artists that are working regionally are leading the country," Mr Dawson said.
"Shellharbour is an emerging destination on a lot of fronts, certainly an emerging tourist destination, and we need to get in there and bring ... the best of the national artists with the best of our regional artists and run programs that offer an accessible, high quality creative experience for our community."
The Hidden Forest Festival is accepting NSW Dine & Discover plus Parents NSW vouchers. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.hiddenforest.com.au/tickets.
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