THE Festival of King Island is going to get bigger and better, according to its organisers.
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The three-day event, which is happening on the island this weekend, already has an adrenalin-pumping 100-metre water slide through the sand dunes, lots of live performances and raft racing.
But a surf contest and more warm-up performances leading up to the festival are just some of the things on the ‘‘for the future’’ wish-list.
The unique festival on the Bass Strait island is the brainchild of Kim George.
Mr George grew up on the island, where his parents still live, however he now lives in Brussels and comes home twice a year to ensure the festival goes ahead.
He said he came up with the festival idea after launching a Save King Island Facebook page when its abattoir closed and about 200 people lost their jobs in 2012.
Australian musician Kim Churchill wanted to help out and offered to come to the island and bring other musicians.
That was the start of live music being a main feature.
Ideas for other festival activities came from typical things King Islanders did growing up.
Mr George said when he was younger raft races and grass tobogganing down Henry Street – which is actually a sand track – were common weekend activities.
It is down Henry Street where the festival’s iconic water slide is now set up.
Slide enthusiast Yogi Ashley, who helped set up the slide, said it was getting stronger, faster and higher each year.
‘‘It’s just over 100 metres long now,’’ he said.
‘‘We were shocked with how popular it was the first time we did it.
‘‘We have a bigger line than Wet and Wild.
‘‘It’s a real blast for everyone and it gets everyone involved.’’
The water slide had a lot of use yesterday despite it being cold and windy.
The festival is also helping to bring cheer and support to the community, after it lost one of its significant buildings to a fire last week.
Musicians spent most of the afternoon on Friday busking near the pub and bakery to raise money for those affected.
The festival will continue at the harbour today with performances by Sarah Ashley, Laura Hill, Kim Churchill and Shaun Kirk.
About 300 people attended yesterday’s event and a similar number is expected for today.
For more information about the festival visit foki.com.au