Ms McColl put together the idea of the festival after the Merimbula Jazz Festival committee decided COVID restrictions and uncertainties made the Jazz Festival too risky to run again this year, something that has proved to be a wise decision as many attendees visit from Victoria.

Instead though there is a wide variety of events on offer over the three days starting on Friday evening.

Kicking off at 4.30pm at Spencer Park, the Sapphire Coast's 'Food Truck Friday' is back. Tasty treats to whet your appetite for all the delicious delights the Sapphire Coast has to offer.

Ready for a splash and dash? Start the day with the Budgy Smuggler Salty Saturday Swim proudly supporting ORRCA at Mitchies Jetty in Fishpen at 8am. Participation is free and Budgy Smugglers will donate $25 to ORRCA for each person who takes the plunge. Swim, float or paddle to Mitchies Jetty and support this worthy charity. ORRCA works hard to ensure the rescue, preservation, conservation and welfare of whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs in Australian waters. Warm up with a coffee at Mitchies Jetty afterwards.

In order to ensure the donation, swimmers must register - find more at www.escapetomerimbula.com.au/wintersun and register your entry: Click DIVE IN!

Head over to The Picture Show Man Cinema for two very special screenings, 'Strictly Ballroom' on Saturday and 'Shine' on Sunday. There's live jazz at the Merimbula RSL Club on Saturday night too with Friday night still to be confirmed.

The Saturday celebrations continue in Merimbula CBD. Take a leisurely stroll around town enjoying the free live entertainment on stage in Market St, thanks to the Merimbula RSL. Browse the markets for local wares and produce. Have a chat, a coffee and snack at one of the food stalls or Merimbula's cafés and enjoy the variety of free music entertainment.

It's all about the kids at Top Fun with a special deal for a morning of fun. In the afternoon kick back with a relaxed round of Barefoot Bowls at Club Sapphire. Give bowls a try on Club Sapphire's state-of-the-art greens.

Go racing at Sapphire Turf Club at the WinterSun Festival Race Day. Just 15 minutes from Merimbula, gates open at noon with free buses to and from the track. For information see: sapphirecoastturfclub.com.au

Organised by Sapphire Life Church Pastor Jeremy Fernando with Reverend Jean Shannon of the Merimbula Uniting Church and Pastor Bronson Symes of the Pambula Baptist Church. Live music with jazz musicians Mike Dooley and Paul Dion and the Sapphire Life singers.

Check the art from local artists who have been working on the jazz theme.