Classic Australian films Storm Boy (starring Jai Courtney and Geoffrey Rush) and Red Dog (starring Josh Lucas and Rachel Taylor) will be screened.

Storm Boy (2019) tells the story of Michael Kingley, a successful retired businessman who starts to see images from his past that he can't explain. He's forced to remember his childhood and how, as a boy, he rescued and raised an extraordinary orphaned pelican, Mr Percival.

Red Dog (2011), is based on the legendary true story of the Red Dog, who united a disparate local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost master.

Storm Boy will start at 8.30pm, followed by Red Dog at 10.20pm.

The event is free but bookings are essential. Tickets can be booked at cessnockperformingartscentre.com.au. One ticket per car (up to eight people) is required; show your barcode on entry.

Council will host its annual Australia Day ceremony at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre on Tuesday, but the ceremony is closed to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The ceremony will, however, be livestreamed on council's Facebook page from 10am.

It will include the presentation of Cessnock's Australia Day awards (including Citizen of the Year), a citizenship ceremony, and an address by Australia Day ambassador, former NBL coach Bob Turner.

Meanwhile, the Hunter Valley Gardens' Christmas Lights Spectacular concludes on Australia Day. Get your tickets at hvg.com.au.