The Orange Winter Fire Festival, put on hold due to COVID-19, will become the Celebrate Orange360 festival to celebrate all things regional NSW thanks to a $144,750 grant from the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said funding from the NSW Nationals in the state government will help deliver the festival that encourages locals and visitors to explore the delights of Orange in Summer, with amazing local food and cool climate wines.
“The Celebrate Orange360 festival over 10–12 December will allow everyone to enjoy live performances, Orange Wine Festival tastings and events, the best local produce and the region’s famous cherries over three days,” Mr Toole said.
“Local producers will be serving up authentic local food and drinks throughout the region’s cellar doors, breweries and orchards, which will help encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more in local shops and eateries at the most festive time of year.
“While the original winter festival had to be put on ice, it’s fantastic to see this event transformed into a Summer event that includes a new festival hub in Robertson Park with a large Spiegeltent (Spiegeltent is a large travelling tent, constructed from wood and canvas and decorated with mirrors and stained glass.) Shining a light on the region’s vibrant arts and rich culture.”
Mr Toole said hosting major events like the Celebrate Orange360 festival puts more heads on beds and fills restaurants, cafes, and tourist attractions, driving regional NSW’s economic recovery from bushfire, floods, drought, and COVID-19.
Nationals MLC Sam Farraway said the NSW Government’s support for Celebrate Orange360 allows visitors to experience the region’s country lifestyle and showcase local producers.
“This exciting event entices visitors to experience all the delights that Orange has to offer, putting our region on the map as a one-of-a-kind tourist destination and I thank the NSW Government for supporting this festival,” Mr Farraway said.
General Manager of Orange360 Caddie Marshall said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund’s support for Celebrate Orange360 will help deliver an enhanced events program and push economic benefit across the entire region.
The $40 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: www.nsw.gov.au/REAFund.
