Wagga Wagga is embracing the colder months with a two-week festival that encourages locals and visitors to rug up and explore the delights of winter in the regions, thanks to the NSW Nationals in the state government.
Duty MLC for Wagga Wagga Wes Fang said funding from the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund will see this year’s Lost Lanes festival expand to include attractions such as an ice skating rink, street murals, a giant animated peacock and an interactive bubble sculpture.
“The award-winning Lost Lanes will run from June 26 to July 11 and will attract an estimated crowd of over 15,000 locals and visitors who will explore and enjoy the regional city in new and unique ways,” Mr Fang said.
“Lost Lanes is now a major event, creating a regional legacy of arts and culture and offering a wider canvas for local artists and emerging talent which will enliven and enrich Wagga Wagga and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more.
“It is fantastic to see a bigger festival format and the opportunity to showcase the Riverina’s vibrant arts, music, and culture that will bring in much-needed tourism dollars to local businesses.”
Mr Fang said hosting major events like Lost Lanes puts more heads on beds and fills local restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions, all of which help drive regional NSW’s economic recovery from bushfire, floods, drought, and COVID-19.
The NSW Nationals in the state government’s support of Lost Lanes will showcase local and regional talent, performances, and creative installations, helping put Wagga Wagga in the spotlight.
“It’s exciting to have so much creativity here in Wagga Wagga and I’m thrilled with the opportunity to share this unique event with thousands of additional visitors thanks to the support from the NSW Nationals in the state government,” Mr Fang said.
The funding secured from the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is a game-changer for the Lost Lanes event and will help it increase visitation by an estimated 7000 people over the two-week festival.
The $20 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: nsw.gov.au/REAFund.
