Through their Summer in Maitland campaign, council will highlight the variety of events, activities, and initiatives on offer from now until February.

Major council-hosted events include New Year’s Eve celebrations, Australia Day in Maitland Park, the Riverlights Multicultural Festival and Maitland Gaol’s 20 Years On celebrations.

Council coordinator city and visitor economy Martin Payne said Maitland was obvious to council there were a lot of activities around in summer.

“We wanted to make sure the community was aware of events on offer – council or otherwise,” he said.

“It’s about people enjoying Maitland and not feeling the need to go elsewhere to enjoy their summer.”

On top of council’s activities, a range of community programs are available, including a Community Youth Day at Maitland Park, The Olive Tree Christmas Twilight Market at Maitland Regional Art Gallery, the exhibition ‘Spring Florals’ at Brough House, the latest production Caught in the Villain’s Web at the Maitland Repertory Theatre and Newcastle Permanent’s Cinema Under the Stars just to name a few.

All things Christmas can also be celebrated at The Levee – from free Santa photos, to Christmas Carols across Maitland, including Carols on the Hill at St Peters Anglican Church, East Maitland.

The Levee won’t just be busy at Christmas time either, with loads happening over the course of summer.

The Earth Markets will continue to go ahead on the first and third Thursday of the month, there will be music and other performances happening every Thursday and Sunday, and The Levee One Day Sale is scheduled for January 20.

Maitland Gaol, the city libraries and Maitland Regional Art Gallery are all getting involved.

Between them, they will host everything from scary tours, to reading challenges, to free art sessions, offering hours of entertainment and amusement.

There will also be a host of new activities rolled out as part of the city’s place activation program.

These include a poetry slam, children’s theatre, lunchtime music sessions in NAB laneway at The Levee, free art classes, and puppet shows.

The ever popular Street Eats will continue, and there is more to be announced as the season progresses.

Those who are organising events or activities during the warmer months are are encouraged to add their items to the Summer in Maitland program by registering at mymaitland.com.au/summer-get-involved

For more information, visit www.mymaitland.com.au/summer