Four hundred lovers of dance and the 1950s era are expected to descend on Nelson Bay this weekend for the annual Rock 'N' Roll Festival.
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So popular has Nelson Bay Rock 'N' Roll Club's three day festival become that it now hosts two a year, but the original October edition has been attracting dancers to the area for 19 years and its appeal has only grown stronger.
"We've always gone all out and put up decorations to create a great atmosphere for the weekend," Nelson Bay Rock 'N' Roll Club founder and dance teacher, Keith Barnard, said. "More and more people are coming dressed up, too, which I think adds to the atmosphere and the festival overall."
Mr Barnard and wife Diana met through dance and together the pair has spent the past 19 years teaching others the joy of rock 'n' roll dancing.
The festival will kick off in the evening of Friday, October 18 and run through until late afternoon on Sunday, October 20. The festivities will be staged in the auditorium of Wests Nelson Bay Diggers.
Adding to the festival decorations, this year there will be a large feature wall depicting a scene from a 1950s American style diner to take a photo with.
"We add to the decorations each year. Everyone seems to love it," Mr Barnard said.
Hundreds of people, mainly from rock and roll club around NSW but others from interstate, attend the festival which boats three stages and plenty of opportunities for dancers to show off their moves.
The general public is invited to attend the festival and watch the skilled dancers. Entry into the festival is free.
Sue Brown and Rob Wisely joined the Nelson Bay Rock 'N' Roll Club together four years ago looking for a social activity that they could learn together, and for fitness.
"We found that rock 'n' roll dancing suited us," Ms Brown said. "We love dancing and meeting people form other clubs, which is what this festival is all about. Our circle of friends has grown through dancing."
The festival will be in high gear 6pm to 8pm on Friday. Rave on will be the feature band.
On Saturday, Jake Rattle and Roll will be entertaining dancers 6pm to 8pm.
The Blue Suede Boppers will round out the weekend with entertaining songs from noon.