LIFE will be breathed back into Wangi Wangi businesses thanks to a pilot program designed to boost live music and performance.
It's an opportunity for venue owners to claw back patronage and funds lost in COVID-19, among them is Hotel Wangi owner Peter Coyne.
"It's the musicians that have really missed out," he said.
"We were closed for two periods of three months, but the live entertainers have been locked out for a lot longer.
"I think it's just going to be great to have live music back in venues where you can actually sing and dance, and where you don't have any restrictions on numbers."
Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC) is one of three across the state chosen to kick start a special entertainment precinct in April.
From there, Wangi Live was born, bringing live music, comedy nights, outdoor cinemas, sunset yoga, food trucks and family events to the area.
The state government pilot is expected to boost live music and performance after a particularly tough two years, the council's deputy mayor Jason Pauling said.
"Wangi is a unique pocket of our city. It's on the water and is filled with a wide variety of venues, and we're excited to showcase the area's potential through this program," he said.
"By supporting this initiative, we are creating opportunities for the next generation of musicians and live entertainers."
Opening the event is band Dogs are Talking, and bassist Wendy Hood couldn't be more enthusiastic.
"COVID-19 impacted us immensely," she said.
"We had a full year booked with gigs and everything was cancelled, which was pretty devastating.
"I think the more live music we see in Wangi Wangi, the better, especially after what the pandemic has hit us with over the past two years."
Also selected for the program were the Inner West Council and City of Sydney, if it's successful, the pilot will be rolled out to councils across the state.
Wangi Live will host both free and ticketed events from April 1 to 24. For information visit lakemac.com.au.
