YOU'LL be able to laugh, sing, dance, learn, explore and above all celebrate when the NSW Seniors Festival kicks off on February 12.
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From Wentworthville to Wagga Wagga, Dapto to Dubbo and everywhere in between, there will be 12 days of free and low-cost events to get you kicking up your heels and having a rollicking good time.
In Sydney, a highlight of the festival is the Premier's Gala Concerts at the International Convention Centre headlined by John Paul Young, Paulini, Vanessa Amorosi and Alfie Arcuri on Thursday and Friday, February 13-14.
Running alongside the concerts is the free NSW Seniors Festival Expo, also at the ICC, which promises a two-day program chock-full of workshops, information sessions and entertainment.
Expo-goers are in for a real treat on Thursday afternoon when songstress Paulini takes to the expo stage at 4.30pm. She'll be followed by author and actress Judy Nunn at 4.55pm, who will share her thoughts on active ageing and the inspiration behind her novels.
If you intend to visit the expo (which opens 9am-6pm Thursday and 9am-3pm Friday), make sure to register online HERE to go in the draw to win a fabulous five-night holiday in New Caledonia.
While events galore are planned across metropolitan areas, there's also plenty on offer in regional areas.
The RSPCA has open days at its Illawarra, Hunter and Blue Mountains shelters, with tours, information on long-term plans for pets, advice on travelling with pets and the Seniors for Seniors pet adoption program.
The open days run from 10am-1pm at: Illawarra Shelter, Industrial Rd, Unanderra, Feb 12; Hunter Shelter, Burlington Pl, Rutherford, Feb 14; Blue Mountains Shelter, Mort St, Katoomba, Feb 18.
Local branches of the Y (or YMCA) will run a variety of activities, including healthy and active ageing seminars, general health checks, morning teas and social sports competitions. To find a centre near you, click HERE
At the Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre there's free passes for anyone aged over 60 to use the pool facilities. Three free beginner's PrYme exercise classes are planned for Feb 13 (8-9am, group fitness), Feb 18 (10-10.45am, aqua class) and Feb 19 (11.30am-12.30pm, group fitness). Details on 9499-2005.
In the Southern Highlands, CTC@Robertson in Hoddle St will host several events.
There's a classical and jazz concert by young musicians from the Sydney and Wollongong conservatoriums from 2-4pm on Feb 16; you can join shed members as they make a guitar, followed by performances and a barbecue from 10.30am-12.30pm on Feb 18; and hear Andrew Ford and Anni Heino discuss their new book, The Song Remains the Same: 800 Years of Love Songs, Laments and Lullabies, with entertainment from the Robertson Songsters from 4-6.30pm Feb 19. Book on 4885-2665, email info@robertsonctc.org.au
Cessnock City Council has a busy festival schedule, with more than 40 events and activities planned.
There's everything from arts and culture, health and wellbeing to history, heritage and learning.
If you have a song in your heart, don't miss the Cessnock Seniors Choir concert at the Performing Arts Centre on February 18. Trav'lin Along, Singin' a Song, Side by Side will be held from 10-11.15am; all seniors welcome.
You can pick up a copy of the Cessnock Seniors Festival program at Cessnock or Kurri Kurri libraries, or download HERE
Lovers of music and variety entertainment should head to Newcastle City Hall for the Sassy Seniors Concert on February 19.
The varied program includes performances by violin and piano duo Angamus, Chin-Hwi ang and Greg Paterson.
Then Miss Newcastle Showgirl 1985 runner-up Denise Gold takes the stage to deliver 75 minutes of mayhem with her Denise Gold Bingo Show, interspersing the number-calling with song, dance and frivolity.
The show kicks off at 10.45am. Tickets are $20 HERE
In Dubbo there's a morning of toe-tapping music, song and dance at Dancing through the Ages on February 15.
Community ensemble the Tin Roof Big Band from Wellington will provide the music, with the twinkle-toes from Fantasy Dubbo Dancesport showing off some sizzling dance moves.
The venue is the Regional Theatre Convention Centre, 10am-noon. No bookings required.
Tamworth is staging its first Seniors Sport and Leisure Expo at the Tamworth Sports Dome on March 7 (9am-2pm).
Coonamble Bowling Club hosts the Lei'd Back Hawaiian Seniors Lunch on February 20. There'll be live music and prizes for the best dressed. Lunch is free but bookings are required as numbers are limited (phone 6827-1900).
On the Central Coast, evergreen yoga instructor Valerie Maiden is offering two free classes at her Long Jetty studio.
The classes, suitable for mature aged people of all fitness levels, are planned for February 14 and 21 (11am-noon) at 13 Willow St, Long Jetty. Details HERE
Still on the Central Coast, Toukley 50+ Leisure and Learning Centre opens its art and craft show on February 17 (4.40-6.30pm). It continues the following day from 9.30am-2.30pm.
An information day at the Hargraves St centre on February 19 features a range of stalls and light lunch. Details HERE
There are hundreds more events planned right across the state. Find events near you HERE