Artists and performers of all types are getting ready to take part in the most inspiring and creative program on the Sydney Northern Beaches’ cultural calendar, the 25th annual Manly Arts Festival.

The Festival will ignite the region with an eclectic mix of exciting events featuring prominent musicians and visual artists.

It will run from Friday 7 September to Sunday 23 September and is packed with exhibitions, concerts, talks and creative workshops.

Manly Arts Festival began in 1994 and has since grown into one of the State’s leading community-based arts festivals, attracting over 15,000 visitors each year.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said the Festival offers plenty to see, hear and do.

“Be inspired by incredible artists, take part in creative workshops and listen to live music.

“Council is committed to supporting cultural initiatives in our area and genuine opportunities for participation in the creative arts,” Mayor Regan said.

The official launch will take place at Manly Art Gallery & Museum (on West Esplanade Reserve, close by Manly Wharf) on Friday 7 September, 6 - 8pm.

A highlight of the Festival will be Manly Art Gallery & Museum’s exhibition Octennial: Reg Mombassa & Peter O’Doherty. The exhibition will include Mombassa’s iconic allegorical landscapes and O’Doherty’s studies of deceptively mundane domestic and suburban Australian scenes as well as a Music Lounge series of live music concerts.

Check Council’s website for the full program.

Throughout the 16-day festival, free full-colour programs will be available from Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Northern Beaches Council Libraries, Council offices, the Manly Visitor Information Centre and other venues throughout Manly.

For advance information, call the Festival Info Line at Manly Art Gallery & Museum 9976 1421.

Follow the Manly Arts Festival on Twitter @manlyartsfest