Stacked summer events program spans fireworks, river floats and free art workshops

Kicking off the fun is Maitland’s annual New Year’s Eve festivities, proudly presented by PRD Hunter Valley on Saturday 31 December 2022, which will see both The Levee’s Riverside car park and RH Taylor Reserve in Lorn play host to free amusement rides and family friendly activities from 5.00pm.

Live music from The Cassettes and a kids disco playing 80s favourites will set the mood before the evening concludes with an illuminating fireworks display at 9.00pm.

Back for a second year is LIVE at The Levee presents Changing Tides on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 January 2023. A rework of the popular pop up format, local music lovers will be treated to two nights of free tunes
from talented musicians, performing on a floating stage on the Hunter River.

Headlining the Changing Tides lineup is six time ARIA Award winning alt rock artist Dan Sultan and soulful singer songwriter Alex Lloyd on the Saturday night, with CJ Stranger, Ben Leece and The Left of the Dial, and Johnston City completing the roster on Friday night.

Maitland City Council Events Team Leader Kara Stonestreet says the team is excited to build upon the success of Changing Tides, which is proudly funded by NSW Government, in its second year.

‘What better way to spend two sunny summer’s nights than seated on the riverbank enjoying some great music from local and national acts,’ Ms Stonestreet says. ‘Better still, there’s are no tickets – just grab a rug, pick a spot on the riverside and enjoy the relaxing vibes.’

‘Our year round Street Eats program will visit Queens Wharf Park from 12.00pm on Sunday 15 January 2023 and Woodberry Playground from 5.00pm on Friday 10 February 2023.

‘And if you’re looking to engage your little one’s grey matter, Maitland Regional Art Gallery, Maitland Gaol and your local library are running a suite of art workshops, interactive tours and author talks starting from Tuesday 3 January.’

Australia Day will see the return of the Maitland River Regatta, where punters can hire an inflatable raft and paddle on down the Hunter River. Starting at Lorn’s RH Taylor Reserve and ending at Lorn Beach, the rafting route will be bolstered by beach games, as well as food and drink options, at either end.

‘The Maitland River Regatta is coming back after being trialled in 2022 and is a throwback to ‘The Great Maitland Raft Race’ that ran back in the 70s and 80s,’ Ms Stonestreet said.

Tickets for the regatta will be made available in the coming weeks.

Also on Australia Day, Maitland Aquatic Centre will be offering free entry from 10.00am. Maitland’s Australia Day activities are assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.

The ever popular Dive In Cinema is also set to appear in Council’s summer program, with two family films screening at Maitland Aquatic Centre in late January. Dates and times for these will be announced soon.

‘There are so many ways to make it Maitland this summer,’ Ms Stonestreet says. ‘Our suite of free and paid events and activities start with a bang on New Year’s Eve and will run into February .’

To check out the full program of confirmed dates and times for Maitland’s summer events and activities, visit www.mymaitland.com.au/summer.