Fostering a sense of community – all in the name of family fun – is the aim of the second-annual alcohol-free Welcome Bay Family Music Festival.

After last year's success, attracting more than 2600 visitors, organiser Antoon Moonen says there is 'extra everything” at the 2016 event.

Free popcorn and sausages for kids, handed out by friendly volunteers, are to be a highlight of this year's event.

Held in Tye Park, Welcome Bay, the music festival line-up boasts 13 live bands, plus an eclectic array of solo acts, headlined by Whirimako Black. There are also a number of free kids' activities on the day, including pony rides, giant games, a water slide and bouncy castles, as well as free popcorn and sausage sizzle.

The inaugural event in 2015 was a testament to the power of the community and volunteers, as just 10 weeks elapsed from idea to execution, says Antoon.

'This time, we've had a whole 12 months to get ready and we've got the support of the Tauranga City Council's events team, Health Promotion Agency, our local Freemasons, Watchmen Security, Maori Wardens, Otumoetai and Welcome Bay Lions Club, as well as volunteers from various local kindergartens and organisations, the Mount Maunganui District Lionesses Club, and the YMCA – all working together to keep the festival action flowing.”

A park and ride will be available from the event parking area in Esmerelda Street, behind Welcome Bay School, or you can park and walk to the destination (about 10 minutes). Bus #40 also comes and goes from this neighbourhood.

An alcohol-free event, with the liquor ban zone including the surrounding streets, Antoon says this is a unique festival that is focussed on bringing a community and families closer together.

'The idea is to put on a special event for our community that is equal to any international event going on in the city, without a burden on the family budget. We want the community to come, relax and enjoy themselves – be you two-years-old or 80-years-old, there will be something there for you.”

The Welcome Bay Family Music Festival will be held at Tye Park, 10am-5pm, on Saturday, February 20. For more information or updates, visit facebook.com/welcomebaycommunitycentre