Coastal Twist Fair Day Overcomes Hurdles to Deliver Magic

by LukeAdmin

The Central Coast community were the clear winners this October long weekend as the much-loved Coastal Twist Festival Fair Day went ahead — overcoming unprecedented council red tape to join the state’s blockbuster weekend economy, which injected over $50 million into NSW.

Despite just three weeks of promotion — a process that normally takes four months — thousands attended Fair Day, cementing Coastal Twist as one of the region’s most unifying, joyful and inclusive events. “After months and more reams of red tape and diversion than any producer should ever have to deal with, it sometimes felt like the life and joy had been drained from the process,” said Festival Director Glitta Supernova. “More money and time went towards council than community building — a broken system working against the people it’s meant to serve. But when I saw the participation, the smiles, and the magic our volunteers and artists created, my cup refilled instantly.”

With a 492% increase in council compliance costs and admin demands, the festival still achieved 23% national visitation — slightly down on previous years but balanced by an unprecedented surge in local attendance. Hundreds of visitor surveys showed 99% of attendees would recommend Coastal Twist to friends and family next year.

The 10-month battle to secure approval for Fair Day highlighted extraordinary community backing. Local businesses and Sydney-based engineers and traffic firms contributed over $25,000 of pro bono reports to meet unprecedented council scrutiny. Despite being faced with what organisers dubbed a “Clayton’s DA” — a 13-page approval document with just 14 days to meet extensive conditions — the team persevered. “We had to fight for the life of this festival at levels none of us have seen before,” said one organiser. “Coastal Twist 2025 simply wouldn’t have happened without the support of dozens of people, including Central Coast Councillors, aghast engineers, and the NSW Rural Fire Service, which helped save over $10,000 by clarifying that Council’s demand for a certified bushfire consultant was unnecessary under Planning for Bushfire Protection 2019.

Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna and supportive councillors were instrumental in ensuring the festival went ahead. “Having councillors back has restored transparency, accountability and local leadership,” said Juan Iocco, Chair of FunHaus Factory. On stage, Mayor McKinna told cheering crowds: “Through our community plan, people told us they want to feel celebrated and connected to life on the Central Coast — and Coastal Twist truly delivers that vision.”

Aligned with the NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2035, Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper reinforced the state’s support: “Our strategy provides a clear mandate for a year-round calendar of world-class events that drive visitation, support jobs, and boost the businesses that rely on our growing visitor economy.”

In the final 24 hours before the event, council hurdles continued — including a failed key lockbox delaying organisers three hours from accessing stage power and site gates. Council eventually resolved the issue, stating: “I assure you, there is no ill intent to sabotage your event.”

Coastal Twist Fair Day 2025 went ahead anyway — fuelled by community resilience, volunteer power, and clear backing from state government and local leadership. The message is loud and clear: the Central Coast community is ready to thrive — if only the local system would let it. “We will be back next year with a focus on community & delivery.”

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