Lake Macquarie is gearing up for a high-octane weekend for the 2024 Fast and Loud Festival.
This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle on water, in the air, and along the shores, drawing thousands of adrenaline-seeking fans.
The festival officially launched on yesterday, but all the action you’ll want to know about kicks off today, and we’ve got all the info you need to make the most of it.
SUPERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS
The centrepiece of this year’s festival is the 2024-2025 Offshore Superboat Championships, with the first three races taking place over the weekend.
The course will cover an extensive stretch of Lake Macquarie, from Marmong Point to Booragul, passing Speers Point and continuing down to Warners Bay and Eleebana. Fans will be treated to the sight of sleek, twin-hulled Superboats that can reach speeds of up to 240km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just under two seconds. Among the competitors is Darren Nicholson, a decorated world and Australian champion, set to lead the charge.
POWERBOATS & MATT HALL AEROBATICS
At Rathmines, visitors can witness the nimble and more maneuverable single-hull Powerboats race close to shore. This thrilling action will continue throughout the weekend, with live racing at the Australian Formula Powerboat Grand Prix.
On Saturday, fans at Rathmines can catch the races from 10am-4pm, while Warners Bay will also see a packed day of events, including a street parade and a highly anticipated aerobatic display by Matt Hall at 11am.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & FAMILY FUN
In addition to the racing, the Fast and Loud Festival offers a variety of live entertainment and family-friendly activities. Friday night will kick off with a free concert by the band Love That Hat at the Warners Bay rotunda from 6-9pm.
On Saturday, Belmont will host live performances by the country band Darlinghurst, alongside markets, food trucks, and children’s activities. A second aerobatic performance by Matt Hall is scheduled for 11:10am at Belmont, followed by a meet-and-greet session at the Belmont Foreshore from noon to 1:30pm.
SHOW & SHINE
Sunday’s lineup includes a ‘Show and Shine’ car show at Speers Point Park from 9am-2pm alongside the Superboat and Powerboat racing at Warners Bay and Rathmines.
ROAD CLOSURES
Road closures will be in effect to accommodate the festivities, with The Esplanade at Warners Bay closed from 3-8pm on Saturday for the street parade. In Belmont, Brooks Parade will be closed from 9am-5pm, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the day’s events.
