Without doubt the most jam-packed day of entertainment this year will be Surfing The Coldstream Festival on Saturday 15 October. Top of the music bill is Melbourne-based nine man outfit Sex on Toast. Specializing in early 80’s funk, hard-edged new jack swing and blazing, their choreographed stage act and tongue-in-cheek larrikinism make for a sensational dance-inducing live performance. Completing the top order and hailing from Sydney is Declan Kelly & The Rising Sun bringing reggae and dub vibes, while the Sunshine Coast delivers us Sahara Beck, a prodigious 20 year old talent whose music is described as drawing from country and old rock’n’roll and rockabilly and soul all channelling into a righteous hot-headed face-slap of a situation. The majority of this year’s line up emanates from right here in the Clarence Valley and our near neighbours, for example, there’s hip hop trio Teddy Lewis King and recently formed soul jazz act Ladyslug from Lismore alongside soulful rock four piece Joe Terror from Grafton plus local gal Grace Hickey’s new line up and the electro dreamscape that is Nocturnal Tapes from Yamba. Local primary school kids will once again feature in the hugely enjoyable rock ‘n’ roll sing-along coordinated by local muso Ryan Enns and the explosive G’Day Africa drumming groups led by Austin King. Grafton’s amazing Aboriginal dance troupe Us Mob will bring a new repertoire of traditional and contemporary dances, Spaghetti Circus are preparing a new show specifically for the festival and the dazzling Flame Squad will be lighting up the night sky. Local artist Pamela Denise presents an interactive artwork called Woven Whales, the ever-popular Art Walk and kids’ activity zones will be up and running, while buskers will line the streets of Yamba during the morning. Festival Coordinator Phil Nicholas said there will also be a few surprise new additions to the event this year. “If you think that’s already a lot to take in, there’s also the Short Film Festival at Yamba Cinema on Friday 14 October and events in Maclean still to be announced,” Phil said. “Stayed tuned to our social media or sign up for the email newsletter to be the first to discover festival developments.”