Festival Director Adam Loxley

Now in its fifth year, Gerringong’s SurfLife Festival has developed into the event that its instigator, Adam Loxley, always imagined it could become.

“I was watching the Werri Slash, thinking where is the music to go with this?” he says.

For its first two years,the Gerringong Surf Music Festival was held near the beach at Gerringong Bowlo.

Wanting to add more to it than just bands, the event moved to the Town Hall and hasn’t looked back.

This year, it has been re-dubbed the SurfLife Festival and there is more evolution in its format.

“We wanted to pull together an event that captures the energy of the South Coast,” says Adam.

“SurfLife brings together ocean lovers to connect over shared passion and is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the South Coast’s relaxed and positive vibes.”

Still held on the weekend of the Slash, the Festival now begins on the Friday night with talks by surfing legends Tom Carroll, Dean Bowen, Hayden Cox and Dick Hoole, and a screen of the film of Tim Winton’s novel Breath.

Sally Fitzgibbon was keen to be involved, but hopefully she’ll be out competing.

The Saturday event also has a lot to offer.

“Last year the evening of music was sold out, and our big objective this year was to make the day event much bigger,” says Adam.

“We’ve added a surfing car expo, expanded the markets, created a surfboard swap meet, got more great music on our outdoor stage, and have even arranged for an ice skating rink to be set up in the park to see if skills transfer.”

To do all this, the Park next door to the Town Hall will be fenced off, to allow for ticketed entry.

“Ticketholders will be able to come and go, so they can pop down to the Slash or support local businesses.

“We’ve had great encouragement from the Gerringong Association, which sees it as a flagship event for our town.”

Details: 3-4 May. Tickets $15 for Friday night; $10 Festival Day (u/12 free); $35 Day and Night; $40 Combo deal. Visit www.gerringongfestival.com.au