With the sun starting to emerge, Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival organiser Becky Guggisberg is confident nothing will dampen this weekend’s event.

“Most of the events are inside, but the weather is forecast to be good for the weekend anyway,” she says.

“After this last week, we all need to get out and have fun!”

Three of the new Festival Hubs – the Manning St Top Shops, Burnetts on Barney and Jazz Alley off Terralong St - are outdoors, with the Check-In Lounge (Joyce Wheatley Centre) being under cover.

“We are all set up for a great day on Saturday,” says Burnetts on Barney’s Elizabeth Burnett.

“We’ve had great days here in the past, and everyone is looking forward to it as it is a perfect setting. This year we even have a stage.”

26 venues to visit

Another welcome new addition the introduction of a shuttle service, operated by the Lions Club, to take people to the off-Terralong St venues.

It will operate on Saturday from 12.30-7pm, travelling on a continuous circuit which includes the Leisure Centre, the train station, Kiama Bowlo, Manning St Top Shops, the Little Blowhole shops, the Kiama Heights bus stop and Burnetts on Barney.

A $5 donation to Lions will give you unlimited stops.

“It’s a great way to raise money for Lions while providing a fun way to get around the venues,” says Elizabeth.

As a precautionary measure, given all the setting up that needs to be done, the free Hindmarsh Park concert has been moved to The Pavilion.

“We thought it would be better to have that locked in, rather than being racing around on the day,” says Becky.

"It will still be free to attend, and there will be refreshments and a bar there."

Go to the website to check out the program and buy tickets to the few concerts that are ticketed, including the legendary Mike Nock.