The 19th annual Central Coast Country Music Festival is expected to attract approximately 12,000 visitors and locals for a weekend of boot scootin’ fun.

Council Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard said great music, a host of fun activities and the magnificent backdrop of The Entrance has established the festival as a Central Coast institution.

“We will celebrate 19 years of the beloved Central Coast Country Music Festival, which kicks off in several venues across the Coast on Friday 9 August and Saturday 10 August, leading into our main event in Memorial Park, The Entrance on Sunday 11 August,” Mr Cannard said.

“The longevity and success of this festival is due to its broad appeal – attendees include country music fans and music fans in general. We see families, young people and older members of the community all having a great time.

“Council invites locals and visitors to enjoy a line-up of big names in country music and exciting new performers.

“If country music isn’t usually your cup of tea, you’ll find artists inspired by today’s pop, rock and alternative genres.

“The Entrance will be abuzz with performances on the main stages, buskers will bring the streets to life and you’ll also be able to enjoy The Entrance Markets, food stalls, rides and activities.

“Great country artists will also be featured at venues in Long Jetty, Bateau Bay, Wyong and Wamberal.

“The festival is not just about music – line dancing demonstrations will deliver your boot scootin’ inspiration for the weekend, the whip cracking kids performance is not to be missed and there is even an opportunity to make your own musical instrument from recycled materials.”

Mayor Jane Smith said Council invites country music lovers and anybody interested in a great weekend to partake in the festival.

“Music has a way of bringing us together and when you combine great artists with incredible Central Coast venues, you have a wonderful festival,” Mayor Smith said.

“Many people travel to the Coast for each and every Country Music Festival – testament to the great weekend on offer.

“Our local businesses also receive a healthy economic boost from this event, which is most welcome in the quieter winter months.”

Artists featured at the festival during the main event on Sunday 11 August include Chelsea Berman Duo, Lizzie Steadman, Christie Lamb, The Viper Creek Band, Sunny Cowgirls, Amber Lawrance and Veronika Lawson.

Festival venues are: Memorial Park and Waterfront Plaza, The Entrance; The Greens The Entrance; Diggers @ The Entrance; The Lakes Hotel, The Entrance; Long Jetty Hotel; Bateau Bay Bowling Club; Wyong Milk Factory; Royal Hotel Wyong; The Entrance Hotel; and Breakers Country Club, Wamberal.

The Central Coast Country Music Festival starts on Friday 9 August in local venues across the Coast and the main event will be held at The Entrance on Sunday 11 August.

View the full program at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events.