This year the Eden Whale Festival will be held at the sports oval in Barclay St, a change that committee president Michael Sawers welcomes as a beneficial move.

“It will help out the construction of the wharf and provide us with an opportunity to do a lot more things,” he said.

At present, the wharf is under construction which will inhibit, but also prohibit, some festival activities, including the popular fireworks display. 

“We had to move out of necessity, but we also think that this will be a good move,” committee secretary Kerryn Wood said.  

Mr Sawers said the bigger grounds would enable the festival to grow and accommodate more diverse activities and entertainment options.  

“We are now able to create the equivalent of two days of entertainment over three days, “ he said.

“We will have all the same things with added extras. It will create the diversity that we did not have before.”

The committee hoped this change will provide opportunities for the community to be part of one of the region’s most anticipated events. 

“It is about getting everyone involved, in either coming to or participating in the festival,” Ms Wood said.

With a bigger canvas to work with the committee is busy planning for the festival that will be held over three days in November. 

“We are three months ahead of where we were this time last year,” Mr Sawers said. “We have been proactive in getting different things for people to watch or get involved with.”