Mayor of Lithgow City Council, Cassandra Coleman has expressed her sadness at the decision by the organisers of Ironfest to not hold the event in 2025.
Mayor Coleman said “I am absolutely heartbroken to hear that the organisers of Ironfest have decided not to hold the event this year”, Mayor Coleman also said that “Council has been actively working with Ironfest organisers to assist them to deliver the event this year, including providing $20,000 to the event through this year’s budget. I have supported Ironfest for many years and know the attachment that many in the community have to this event.”.
Recognising that the organisers of Ironfest have often had difficultly making the event financially sustainable, Council had also budgeted $20,000 in sponsorship assistance to the event this financial year. Mayor Coleman also advised that “Although Councils $20,000 sponsorship offer was declined, Council will continue to work with the organisers of Ironfest with an aim to have the event delivered again in coming years”.
Festival founder and director Macgregor Ross explained further that due to some health issues in the end of 2025, the truncated timeline and lack of funding meant that it was just too hard to get a festival up this year, however he remains hopeful for something in the future.
Ironfest has had a long history in Lithgow, starting as an exhibition for metal workers and growing over time to the cultural celebration that it will be remembered for, including re-enactors, cosplayers, all manner of displays and perfomances and most of all; family friendly fun for all to enjoy.
The move to The Foundations in Portland in 2024 was a new take on the event with less in the re-enactment displays such as jousting and military battles due to the nature of the site and the fact the event was free, but it did little to diminish the experience of visitors, many of whom were vsiting for the first time. The Foundations were again happy to host the event and remain positive about future festivals considering Portland, with all of it’s historical architecture, as a viable alternative.
Lithgow City Council is committed to establishing a vibrant and sustainable range of events across the LGA and is continuing to work with existing and new events organisers to achieve this with an Event Strategy being finalised.
Image by Brigitte Grant Photography – Promo shot for 2024 Ironfest