What's On

WE MAKE EVERY EFFORT POSSIBLE TO BE CORRECT, HOWEVER EVENTS DO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL EVENTS ONLINE BEFORE PLANNING.

DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY 1 DECEMBER

■ Rotunda Christmas Lights with Santa

Wallsend Rotunda Park. Santa will be there to turn the lights on at 7pm. THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER

■ Cringe-worthy Christmas Photos at

Charlestown Square. Bring your own sweater or choose from a selection of sweaters and props. Running from 2–23 Dec, check session times at www.charlestownsquare.com.au ■ Big Dog Comedy at The Happy Wombat with Becky Lucas. 7pm-9pm FRIDAY 3 DECEMBER

■ Socialista Cali Girls The ultimate girls night out at Modus Brewery. Ticket includes canapes, 3hr beverage package, live music & entertainment. 7pm-10pm SATURDAY 4 DECEMBER

■ yapang Emerging Art Prize Finalist

Exhibition at Museum of Art and Culture

Lake Macquarie. An exhibition of works by finalists in the inaugural yapang Emerging Art

Prize. 4 Dec–20 Feb ■ Windows into Wartime at Rathmines

Heritage Centre. Produced by State Records

NSW for the Centenary of Anzac, and to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the First World War. Gold coin donation.

Open 10am–2pm Fri–Sun. 4 Dec–27 Feb. ■ Truth of Fire: Tim Georgeson at Museum of

Art and Culture Lake Macquarie. An exhibition responding to the Australian bushfires of 2019/20 and the significance of First Nations knowledge and fire practices. 4 Dec–20 Feb ■ APIA Good Times Tour at Civic Theatre ■ OMGWTF Its Christmas! at The Galipoli

Legion Club. A dynamite, late-night romp of burlesque, circus, drag, sideshow and magic! www.omgwtfshow.com.au ■ 12 Days of WOW Fest at Civic Theatre.

Hunter Drama's end of year student spectacular. 4-10 December.

▲ Christmas with Charles Dickens,

Adamstown Uniting Church, at 2pm. Readings from Dickens' story, A Christmas Carol, with musical interludes–also live-streamed via internet for home viewing. Covid-safe seats and streaming must be booked. For booking details visit www.adamstownuca.org.au/arts or call the church office on 4957 1887. SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER

■ Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run

Representing all that is merry, riding in to

Wickham Park to provide local kids and families hope for a brighter future THURSDAY 9 DECEMBER

■ Wangi Power Station Reimagined at Wangi Library Creative Hub. A collection of works created by Masters of Architecture students from the University of Newcastle. Join the representatives from UON and Wangi community members for a conversation around the history of the power station, its significance to Lake Mac and its future. Tickets $5. More info at www.lakemac.com.au FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER

■ Dashville Return Weekend Bonanza at

Dashville. Starting with a big concert on

Friday night, follwed by Dashville's Christmas

Party and Family Portrait Day on Saturday.

Some great local live music will be featured on Saturday night. Tickets and more info at www.dashville.com.au 10+11 Dec. ■ The TEN Tenors Australia’s premier vocal group at Civic Theatre. ■ Echoes of Pink Floyd at City Hall, tickets via

Civic Theatre. ■ Christmas on John Street at Singleton. Street performers, market stalls and children’s entertainment will take over the pavement.

There'll be a Santa visit and fireworks at Rose

Point Park. 6–9pm. SATURDAY 11 DECEMBER

■ Capturing Nature - a touring exhibition from the Australian Museum at SEEN @

Swansea. These never-before-seen images dating from 1857 to 1893 have been printed from the Australian Museum's collection of glass plate negatives and are some of

Australia's earliest natural history photographs.

Open 10am–2pm. 11 Dec–12 Mar ■ Lake Mac City Pro Junior Wildcard Trials

Lake Macquarie City welcomes this World

Surf League event back to Redhead Beach. ■ Fosterton Loop at Dungog. 22km bike ride starting and ending at Frank Robinson Park. $20 entry fee for adults, children FREE. ■ Kids Christmas Party at ELMA's Cafe. Games, face painting, gift-giving. $20 per child (includes lunch). 12–2pm. Clyde St, Hamilton.

Ph 0466 201 336

WINE, CHEESE & CHOCOLATE AT MCGUIGAN

Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Hunter in this exquisite Wine, Cheese & Chocolate tasting. Relax in a private tasting area with a dedicated wine expert who will help you explore the exceptional wines that have made McGuigan one of the most awarded wineries in the world. You will enjoy a selection of the best seasonal, hand-crafted cheeses from the artisans at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, plus carefully selected hand made chocolates by artisan chocolatier Maître Pâtissier complementing a range of premium McGuigan dessert and fortified wines. Cost – $25pp pre-paid reservations for parties of 1 to 6 people. Visit www.mcguiganwines.com.au and click on Visit Us to book.

SUNDAY 12 DECEMBER

▲ Lake Mac Carols at Speers Point Park, 4pm–9pm. A spectacular evening of entertainment counting down to Christmas. ■ Clerici and de Borah Pianist Daniel de Borah with cellist Umberto Clerici play the music of

Felix Mendelssohn and Frédéric Chopin at

Newcastle Art Gallery. www.nag.org.au ■ Hunter Events Wedding Fair at Oaks Cypress

Lakes Resorts Hunter Valley. 11am–2pm ■ Pedalfest Christmas Criterium at Dungog.

Be a spectator at the Dungog bike race for serious riders. Commencing at 8am in front of the Tin Shed Brewey. ■ Christmas Central Drive Thru at Central

Church, Warners Bay. Hop in the car and take a trip through Arendelle, WhoVille, Santa’s

Workshop and more. 6:30–9pm, 12–19 Dec. THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER

■ Live Music Lake Mac: Felicity Urqhart and

Josh Cunningham at Rathmines Theatre,

Nawayiba. Tickets are $40 per person, visit lakemac.com.au to book. SATURDAY 18 DECEMBER

■ Cryptmas in the Doll Haus at Gallipoli Legion

Club. Variety night of burlesque, cabaret, circus, magic and sideshow acts. 7:30pm9:30pm. Tickets available on eventbrite.com WEDNESDAY 22 DECEMBER

■ Elf: A Christmas Movie Under the Stars at

Kahibah Sports. From 5pm ■ Good King Wenceslas - A Christmas

Musical at Civic Theatre. 22+23 December. SATURDAY 25 DECEMBER

■ Samaritan's Christmas Picnic Lunch at

Singleton Showground FRIDAY 31 DECEMBER

■ A Fresh Start New Years Eve Concert Series at Dashville. A 2-night concert series running the evenings of 31 Dec+1 Jan. ■ Live On The Lake: Thirsty Merc at Toronto

Hotel.

JANUARY

SATURDAY 8 JANUARY

■ Hunter Sailing League at Newcastle Cruising

Yacht Club. Teams from eight local clubs will contest in a competitive, fun, and spectator friendly event. 8+9 Jan. TUESDAY 11 JANUARY

■ Tim Minchin - Back at Civic Theatre. 11+12 Jan THURSDAY 13 JANUARY

■ Carl Barron at Civic Theatre. 13–23 Jan. SATURDAY 15 JANUARY

■ Grapevine Gathering at Roche Estate ■ John Williamson "Winding Back"

Celebrating 50 Years at Civic Theatre THURSDAY 20 JANUARY

■ The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil

Diamond at Civic Theatre. FRIDAY 21 JANUARY

■ The Comedy Club at The Well Bar. Dinner &

Show or Show Only tickets available. Dinner from 6pm, comedy show from 8pm. SATURDAY 22 JANUARY

■ Hunter Events Bar & BBQ Festival at

Dalwood Estate. 22+23 Jan. ■ Red Hot Summer Tour at Roche Estate.

Tickets at www.redhotsummertour.com.au ■ Whisky & Craft Spirits Festival at Babylon

Newcastle. Australia's biggest whisky & craft spirit tasting event! 12:30pm–8:30pm SATURDAY 29 JANUARY

■ We Can Be Heroes - Bowie Orchestrated at

Civic Theatre, 8pm ▼ Summersalt at Roche Estate, 1pm–10pm

SATURDAY 4 DEC

Rock ‘N’ The Green Edgeworth Bowling Club Little Quirks The Cambridge Hotel Dead Mall w Frank & Charlie & Sonder Hamilton Station Hotel

SUNDAY 5 DEC

The Years Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club Ian Papworth Gallipoli Legion Club

SATURDAY 11 DEC

Jones The Cat X Pstcrds (Ft The No Shows) Gallipoli Legion Club Sleepeaser, Lamphead, Collidescope & Two Knives The Cambridge Hotel Boycott, The No-Ones & The Howlin’ Rats Hamilton Station Hotel

SUNDAY 12 DEC

Rough Diamonds Gallipoli Legion Club Boo Seeka Queens Wharf Hotel Hussy Hicks The Stag & Hunter Hotel Felipe Baldomir Newcastle Hotel

SATURDAY 18 DEC

Georgie & Gabe Duo Adamstown Bowling Mark Lee The Mark Hotel Lambton Nick Raschke The Wickham Park Hotel Honey Hayze Ft New Black Shades, Saylor And The Flavor The Cambridge Hotel

SUNDAY 19 DEC

7 @ The Sevens Seven Seas Hotel Fuelstar The Beach Hotel

SUNDAY 26 DEC

This Should Be Band - A Boxing Day Extravaganza Croatia Club Wickham Murray Byfield Windsor Castle Hotel

FRIDAY 31 DEC

A Fresh Start NYE Concert Dashville KISStory The Australian KISS Tribute Show Wallsend Diggers & Mezz Bar

SATURDAY 8 JAN

Pist Idiots The Cambridge Candy Land Lizotte’s Harlott Hamilton Station Hotel

SUNDAY 9 JAN

Diamond Lizotte’s

SATURDAY 15 JAN

The Terrys The Cambridge

SUNDAY 16 JAN

Teenage Dads The Cambridge

SATURDAY 22 JAN

Dear Seattle The Newcastle Hotel

SUNDAY 23 JAN

Richard Clapton Soldiers Point Bowling Club

SATURDAY 29 JAN

Steve Kilbey Earp Distilling Co

SUNDAY 30 JAN

The Fabulous Caprettos Toronto Hotel

WHAT'S ON IN

Lake Mac

Live music is back at Lake Mac! Sit back and relax to the sweet sound of live tunes from your favourite local and NSW-based musicians, all within a COVID Safe setting. The onsite bar will be serving beverages and light refreshments, so no need to worry about going hungry or thirsty throughout the night. Gigs will be taking place at Rathmines Theatre, Nawayiba and Warners Bay Theatre, Baranayiba from November 2021 – April 2022, with Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham performing at Rathmines Theatre on Thursday 16 December. Tickets are just $40 per person, and Lake Mac Arts members can access a 10% discount.

If you are looking for a family-friendly Christmas event, Lake Macquarie City Council is proud to present a spectacular evening of entertainment as we count down to Christmas at the Lake Mac Carols by Candlelight event at Speers Point Park on

12 December.

The night will feature yummy food trucks, kid’s activities and an array of specialised boutique Christmas market stalls from 3pm – 9pm. Entertainment from Lake Mac community groups will also be offered at the Community stage at MAP from 3pm. Nick, Jess and Ducko from hit106.9FM will be the MC’s for the event. Local band Uptown will be playing from 5:45pm at the main stage, alongside children’s group The Quokkas and headliner act Kirsty Lee Akers. Look out for a very special appearance by Santa from 7pm! For more information about online events and resources that Lake Macquarie City Council has available, please visit www.lakemac.com.au/Events

> 5 DECEMBER, WICKHAM PARK

The Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run will hold their annual ride to raise funds for disadvantaged families and provide toys for kids that would otherwise go without this Christmas.

The Toy Run is an extraordinary festive season favourite that has been running for over 40 years. The event is designed for the whole community to enjoy and caters for both spectators and riders. The ride begins at 10am at Stockton and ends with a Community Fun Day at Wickham Park which will have Santa photos, plentiful food options, markets, motorcycle displays and accessories, amusements, rides and live music. Visit www.newcastletoyrun.com.au for more information.

Bikers for Kids Newcastle Toy Run

NEWCASTLE CITY Hampers of Hope

> SOUL CAFÉ 2021 CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Soul Café was established in August 2003 to serve free, hot meals to the disadvantaged of the Newcastle region and today the team provide hundreds of free sit down and take away meals each week.

Soul is non-government funded and relies primarily on financial sponsorship from corporations and individuals to continue providing their essential services. There are two simple ways to get involved with the Soul Café 2021 Hope Christmas Appeal: 1. Download the Soul Café Hampers of Hope

Shopping List and grab the items on the list.

Put them into a reusable shopping bag and drop them to Soul Café before 16 December.

The hampers will be given out to the café's vulnerable guests throughout the Christmas and New Year period. 2. Donate financially to provide Soul with the resources they need to inspire hope for some of Newcastle’s most vulnerable people.

To download the Hampers of Hope shopping list or to donate visit www.soulcafe.org.au

Sorry!

7AM–1PM | EVERY SUNDAY

at BROADMEADOW SHOWGROUND www.newcastlecityfarmersmarket.com.au

Originally scheduled for July 2020, and after multiple covid-related reschedules, Young Peoples Theatre, Newcastle Inc. is FINALLY off to see the Wizard and will be presenting its production of The Wizard of Oz, Young Performers Edition in early December.

The yellow brick road may have spanned nearly two years, but that hasn't dampened the spirits of the young and enthusiastic group of 60 YPT students who are excited to present their work for an audience, albeit a little differently than originally intended. To ensure that the Wizard of Oz can be seen by a large audience, regardless of Covid capacities, and to make the show accessible for everyone, YPT has decided to Livestream this production for four performances only!

Streaming right to your living room, because after all, there really is no place like home, audiences will be delighted by this colourful production as they join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, Lion and even Toto on their adventure to meet the Wizard.

It has been a difficult two years for many industries and as a not-for-profit community theatre with nine of eleven productions in the last 18 months rescheduled, cancelled or significantly impacted by audience capacity restrictions. YPT encourages the local community to support their work by purchasing tickets for the whole family to enjoy.

WHEN: Saturday 4 December - 2pm and 6pm Sunday 5 December - 2pm and 6pm TICKETS: Purchase via www.ypt.org.au

Christmas Central Drive Thru

> 12–19 DECEMBER, CENTRAL CHURCH

Christmas Central is back for another year! Central Newcastle Church and Medtech Services present Christmas Central Drive Thru 2021! Hop in the car, download the interactive app and take a trip through Arendelle, WhoVille, Santa’s Workshop and more. The lights will be on from 12th-19th December 6:30pm-9:00pm at Central Church (290 Hillsborough Rd, Warners Bay). Book your free ticket online eventbrite.com.au

AN AFTERNOON OF CLASSICAL MUSIC By The Lake

The Multi-Arts Pavilion mima at Speers Point will be a special place to visit on Sunday 13 February, at 4pm, when the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra will play a concert of works dedicated to our muchloved Lake, its people and its heritage.

Describing the Lake in its many moods, the first work is the premiere of the Lake Macquarie Council commissioned MIMA Concert Overture by composer Stephen Lalor. The piece pays tribute to the brass bands and coal-mining heritage, bird calls, and the modern era's vibrancy, playfulness, and energy.

The delightful Summer Days Suite of Eric Coates has three movements: In a Country Lane, On the Edge of The Lake, and At the Dance. A perfectly relaxing work for a Sunday afternoon by the Lake.

The Swan Lake excerpts are Scene, Valse, Dance of the Swans, and Hungarian Dance-Czardas. The beautiful Adagio from Khachaturian's ballet Spartacus was a much-loved theme for the television series The Onedin Line. Molly On the Shore has many forms. Originally written for String Quartet, String Orchestra, or Wind Band, Percy Grainger used two Irish Reels - Temple Hill and Molly On the Shore. It was a birthday gift for his mother, Rose Aldridge's in 1907. American composer Dana Paul Perna made this arrangement for a large symphonic orchestra for conductor Leopold Stokowsky.

Special guest soloists from Opera Hunter tenor Sam Elmi and soprano Ashlee Woodgate will sing arias from the upcoming production of Verdi's La Traviata. For tickets, visit www.arts.lakemac.com.au