Through the 2020 Cessnock City Seniors Festival - which runs from February 12 to 28 - they hope to enrich a life, to start a new friendship or help someone discover a new passion or interest that will last well after the festival ends.

The festival program includes events that bring older and younger people together - including the Grand Summer Splash (a pool party for grandparents and their grandchildren at Cessnock Pool) on February 15, presented in partnership with Samaritans.

"Seniors Week is an important time to encourage community participation and inclusiveness and we look forward to bringing people together to celebrate the many contributions of seniors in the Cessnock area," Samaritans Information and Neighbourhood Centre senior worker Denise Crossley said.

"The Grand Summer Splash welcomes one and all for fun, healthy activities including games and Zumba. A free barbeque will be offered by the Cessnock Lions Club and grandparents and their grandchildren are offered free entry to the Cessnock pool on the day.

"Intergenerational connection is so important to enhanced wellbeing for young and old and increases health outcomes too. We hope that this event will be a catalyst for continued engagement."

There will also be a presentation by the Cessnock Academy of STEM Excellence (showcasing their 3D, coding and robotics projects) at the Wine Country Music Association concert at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on February 24.

The program also features several events that will challenge residents to change their attitude about ageing.

"Ageing is unavoidable, but negative stereotypes can make it feel daunting each year another birthday rolls around," Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent said.

"However it's in all of our best interest to challenge these stereotypes as we live longer healthier and more productive lives."

Among these events is community art project Here in Visible Ink, which will be based at Cessnock Library throughout the festival.

Fearless Films, an initiative of Feros Care and Screenworks, will be screened at CPAC on February 13 and 26, with a presentation by the filmmakers.

The series of inspirational short films showcases the surprisingly bold lives of seniors over the age of 75. These fearless crusaders of ageing show that positive ageing is all about mindset.

At the premiere of Fearless it was put extremely well by Nina Milenko Marzi, who at 97 years young said: "Life is the most interesting experience you can have, don't miss it, don't be lazy, get out and do it, enjoy yourself!"

See the full program in today's Advertiser or at cessnock.nsw.gov.au.