Lively line-up to lure crowds

THE Glitter Strip will sparkle brighter than normal this weekend with an actionpacked event line-up for the next two days.

The annual Coolangatta Gold, Oktoberfest celebrations, marine motor sports, parties leading up to the GC600 and national competitions are all unfolding from today, with accommodation and tourism leaders saying the Coast is the busiest they’ve seen it in years.

Gold Coast Tourism director of communications Michelle Stone said management from popular Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach hotels had commented on how packed they were this weekend.

Ms Stone said forward bookings to Christmas were “stronger than ever”.

“Breakers at Broadbeach (managers) commented it is the busiest time they have seen in years, with forward bookings to Christmas extremely strong,” she said.

“They even have a conference group coming up inhouse, taking a large volume of apartments.’’

On the northern end of the Coast, up to 15,000 boaties and adrenalin junkies will descend on The Spit for the Gold Coast Liquid Lightning powerboat showcase which will see Australia’s fastest circuit racing boats zooming through the waterways at more than 220km/h.

At Jupiters, more than 180 glammed-up fitness models flaunting angel wings, spray tans, glitter and bouncy hair will take to the stage today for the Coast leg of the World Beauty Fitness and Fashion competition.

WBFF organiser Ari Hamalainen said he expected competitor numbers to reach around 200.

“It breaks the mould of traditional fitness competitions by combining health and fitness with beauty and glamour,” Mr Hamalainen said.

Down south, a modest 12,000 locals are expected to flood Winders Park in Currumbin for the second annual Buskers in the Park festival, a few thousand up on last year.

The Coolangatta Gold will undoubtedly be the most popular drawcard across the next two days, as the country’s fittest ironmen and women take on each other in the gruelling run, swim and board event.