KING Street Heritage Festival is coming to Raymond Terrace for its fourth year on 15 May.

It’s a festival that celebrates the history of the region which is peppered by red coats, muscats, mop caps and long dresses.

Event organiser Adam Nicholas told News Of The Area, “Visitors can expect to see the William IV paddle steamer which was built in Raymond Terrace in 1988.”

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The vessel has been saved and adapted to be able to go under the bridges and will be coming up the Hunter River from Newcastle for the festival.

“William IV will be taking passengers on cruises with three trips planned one at 8.30am one at 11am (fully booked) and the last one at 1pm.”

Book online to enjoy the river aboard the William VI at the Williamthefourth.org website.

The Captain of the William IV will be asking permission to come ashore near the Fitzgerald Bridge at around 8.30am where they will be met by Kate Washington the Deputy Mayor, and a Worimi Elder.

The official party will be escorted by Red Coats and the Maitland Pipe and Drum Band to King Street and down to the Marriage Tree.

There’s plenty of history being uncovered and this festival offers a glimpse into the past with a town crier and event attendees being encouraged to dress as residents would have 100 years ago.

“Irrawang Drum Corp will march, the Hunter School Of Performing Arts Brass Band will perform, there are dance performances and even cannon fire on the program,” he said.

Adam is very thankful to the Rotary Club of Raymond Terrace for their support of the event.

King Street will be closed between 9am – 4pm at either end with William Street closed for the March at around 9.45 to 11am.

Event attendance is free and everyone is welcome.

By Marian SAMPSON