Ettalong festival attracts 12,000

Ettalong Beach's three-day festival was held from Friday, March 15, to Sunday, March 17, with an estimated 12,000 people attending.

Local shop owners reported high levels of trade with some recording all-time record day sales on the Sunday.

Festival attractions included the Ettalong Beach Retro Bash held on the Friday night, which sold out prior to the night, the Big Sing Workshop and film screenings on Saturday and Sunday, which were also sold out, plus the all-day Street Festival with wall to wall entertainment on the Sunday.

Two separate stages operated all day on the Sunday with a wide variety of entertainers.

"The Lolo Lovina Gypsy Caravan stage was a huge hit with the crowd and I'm sure we will see it again on the Coast at other events," said creative director Ms Ylenna Zajec.

"On the main stage Bukhu, the Mongolian throat singer, completely changed the atmosphere when he began to sing."

Ettalong Beach Business Group president Ms Jeanette Polley said: "Some of the stall holders have already booked for next year's festival so that they don't miss out."

The festival is organised by the Ettalong Beach Business Group and is scheduled each year at the beginning of autumn to stimulate activity for the town at a low time in the tourist season.

Media Release, 20 Mar 2013

Ylenna Zajec, Ettalong Beach Festival