THE days between Christmas and the new year are often culturally uneventful, but that was not the case at Cronulla these holidays.
Close to 50,000 people converged on Gunnamatta Park over three big days for the inaugural Endless Summer festival, which ran December 27-29.
A jam-packed program of music, art and culture attracted thousands of people to Sutherland Shire and many families soaked up the festivities.
Chkout the hot, new Endless Summer Fest (Cronulla) frm 27-29/12 for live music, food, kids' fun & arts w FREE entry! http://t.co/9fEJEEGfft
— Family Fun in Sydney (@familyfunsydney) December 26, 2013Organiser Mario Kalpou said the community festival showcased Cronulla and all it had to offer.
"I feel like we've put Cronulla back on the map as family-friendly, with an outstanding cultural community," Mr Kalpou said.
"It was an iconic summer event and hopefully it is here to stay."
The line-up of Australian musical talent, local artists and a sophisticated festival menu of food and wine proved a winning combination, with the countdown already on for the 2014 event.
The musical talent saw the amphitheatre packed as crowds danced along with bands Amy Meredith, the Preatures and many other popular Australian acts.
The young crowd watching Bluejuice on opening night enthusiastically took to the stage to dance alongside the musicians.
Mr Kalpou said the weather was perfect for a summer-focused festival and the bayside lounge areas were "magical" as the sun began to set.
"There was a great vibe, the musicians were great and the artists all got a lot of exposure," Mr Kalpou said.
Some bad language soured the experience for at least one festival-goer, who told the Leader a hip-hop artist cursed repeatedly during a performance.
A spokeswoman for Sutherland Shire Council, which sponsored the event, said when the incident occurred, police intervened immediately by speaking to the offending performer and the offensive language ceased.
Mr Kalpou said all artists were briefed about content before performing and were aware it was a family event.
"We do apologise but we did nip it in the bud very quickly and it was small incident," Mr Kalpou said.
"There was no alcohol-related violence and no medical issues. It could couldn't have gone smoother."
The council received two complaints before the event from residents concerned about possible parking problems and the availability of alcohol.
The council also received two complaints following the event: the letter about the offensive language and a noise complaint.
Did you go to the festival? Tell us what you thought of the event.
