Around 5000 people are anticipated to descend upon Black Beach on Saturday, June 19 for the Ignite Kiama Winter Festival - ending with a tremendous bang of glittering colours.

The pandemic forced the last-minute cancellation of New Years Eve celebrations but the show must go on and the winter solstice is being utilised as the perfect excuse.

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Fire and glow is the theme of the free family-friendly event, which will kick off mid-afternoon with fire twirlers and glow dancers, live music and workshops, culminating in fireworks exploding near The Blowhole from 7:30pm.

Destination Kiama's Sally Bursell said the best spots to see the display would be anywhere around Black Beach, with the festival setup to provide a frame for the pyrotechnics.

"The best vantage point for the fireworks will be all up and down the Black Beach foreshore area, the tiered grass area provides a perfect amphitheatre - bring your picnic rug," she said.

Ms Bursell said there was no limit on how many people could attend and anticipated weather to play a big part in final numbers.

Patrons are encouraged to dress for the cold, though there would be attractions - and beverages - to help keep the chill out.

"The festival bar will be serving espresso martini's, Irish coffees and mulled wine," Ms Bursell said. "We are closing Shoalhaven Street to create Eat Street, so festival goers will be able to savour fire inspired menus from around the world."

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Bushfires then a pandemic have significantly hurt tourism in Kiama, and mayor Mark Honey welcomed visitors from afar to help celebrate being allowed to congregate as a commuity again.

"When COVID forced us to cancel our New Year's Eve fireworks, we hoped to provide another community celebration during the year instead," Cr Honey said.

"I encourage locals and visitors alike to rug up and head down to Kiama Harbour ... to celebrate winter as well as enjoy being together as a community once more."

Entertainment includes circus performers and aerialists, children's performers, the Junkyard Beats fire show and Doonoch Dancers. A neon face art station will be available for patrons to get into the theme, along with hair braiding, a sensory chill zone, plus workshops in rhythmic drumming and how to make a ceramic teelight.

Kiama Councillor and chair of Destination Kiama Matt Brown said the event was themed around fire, a metaphor to warm the community's hearts during the winter solstice.

"We will entertain with fire, we will cook fire and the finale will be with fire," Cr Brown said.

For further information, visit: eventcreate.com/e/ignitekiama