Leisure craft will form flotillas on the nights of June 16 and 17, setting the lake aglow at Marmong Point Marina, Toronto, Warners Bay, Eleebana, Valentine, Fishing Point, Belmont and Wangi Wangi.

“We want to see you decorate your boat like you do to your house at Christmas and light up the lake,” the marina’s Les Binkin said, to those thinking of taking part.

The parades, for boats longer than five metres available both nights, are modelled on flotilla light festivals in Seattle and Key West, Florida, as well as Amsterdam and Poole Quay in the UK.

“It will also be a great opportunity for those who live near the lake to organise a balcony barbecue,” Lake Macquarie council’s Jacqui Hemsley said.

“We are hoping to turn this into an annual event that will attract people from across the globe.”

Expression of interest forms are at lakemac.com.au