UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 6, 10AM: Due to today's total fire ban, the Spring Awakening festival will not include fire pits.
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For generations, communities the world over have come together to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring.
Cessnock is no exception, with Spring Awakening back for another year on Friday, September 6.
In a night of magic and spectacle, the TAFE grounds will transform into an illuminated wonderland for the free, family-friendly event.
Spring Awakening will once again start with a lantern parade from Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, forming a dazzling procession down Vincent Street to the TAFE grounds, where there will be will be flaming sculptures, fire pits, light installations and animations that have to be seen to be believed.
An exciting lineup of entertainment awaits, including the world-renowned Junkyard Beats, who will bring their dynamic rhythm show to Cessnock.
The band's high-energy routines involve body percussion, fire drumming, junk percussion (using household items) and hilarious skits.
Their family-friendly show draws on inspiration from everyday life, the streets and the junkyard, and is filled with imagination, humour and a lot of rhythm.
Joining Junkyard Beats will be local boys Outback Radio, who will be sure to have the crowd up on their feet and dancing the night away with their signature style of blues-infused rock on the main stage.
There will also be roving performers, including some seriously amazing sleight-of-hand tricks by award-winning magician Joel 'JD' Howlett from JD's World of Magic.
With creative activities for kids, and food trucks brimming with flavours, it's a night the whole family is sure to enjoy.
The lantern parade will depart Cessnock Performing Arts Centre at 5.30pm, and the festival will run from 6pm to 9pm. It is an alcohol-free event.
Use the hashtag #SA19Cessnock to share your photos on Instagram and Facebook.
Spring Awakening is an initiative of Cessnock City Council, designed and developed by Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. For more information, call 4993 4266 or visit cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au.
