The 2018 Cessnock City Seniors Festival will run from April 3 to 17, with a jam-packed program of arts, culture, fitness, learning, history, and special interest events.

“There is so much to choose from, we have over 40 events on offer catering to all seniors, of all ages,” Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said.

“We are committed to providing our community with a program that is diverse enough to interest every senior in the local government area.

“This is an opportunity not just to have fun and try something new, but to meet new people and make ongoing connections.

“You will meet like-minded people, find clubs and groups that you will want to join and make part of your everyday life.”

The program showcases the large number of active groups and organisations in the community that offer opportunities to join in social, physical, arts and cultural activities, from singing and playing music to gardening or studying local and family history.

The festival opens on Tuesday 3 April with a celebration of the contribution of Elders in our community at an Elders Morning Tea held at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre.

Other highlights include a program of theatre productions at the Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, including a performance by the Cessnock Seniors Choir on April 4 (read more here); James Reyne’s A Crawl To Now tour arriving on April 6; Todd McKenney and Nancye Hayes in Bosom Buddies on April 11 and Songs from Stage and Screen on April 17.

The ever-popular day at the Old Brush Studio, Brunkerville will be held on April 13, with morning tea and lunch provided by the Cessnock Lions Club. Entry is free and bookings are essential by calling 4993 4258.

The Cessnock City Libraries have a huge program that includes a fascinating morning helping identify the people and places in the libraries’ historic photo collection (Cessnock, April 14); opportunities to learn French (Kurri, April 5) and ukulele (Cessnock, April 5 and Kurri, April 12), and an evening session for wine enthusiasts tasting and learning how to get the most out of each sip (Cessnock, April 12).

The Cessnock City Seniors Festival has been recognised at state level with a nod at last year’s Local Government NSW Awards.

Cessnock City Council won the RH Dougherty Award for Innovation in Special Events (Division B: population 30,000 to 100,000) at the awards.

Programs for the 2018 Cessnock City Seniors Festival can be picked up at council’s customer service centre, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri libraries and participating venues.

The full program is also available online at www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/seniorsfestival.