Lithgow City Council recently sought Expressions of Interest from event producers seeking sponsorship support for unique and engaging destination development events within the Seven Valleys.
This program specifically sought to support events that showcased the region as a tourism destination, generating out-of-region visitation, encouraging overnight stays, and demonstrating a measurable return to the visitor economy.
After careful consideration and a competitive assessment process, Council will be entering into Sponsorship Agreements to support the Makers Month at The Foundations Portland with $30,000 and Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Running Festival with $10,000.
Council is also working with the new organisers of Ironfest on a potential announcement about this popular local event as well.
A further $5,000 will be allocated to run a community capacity building workshop to assist in further developing some of the promising community event concepts that were proposed.
Twenty-two submissions were received, each offering exciting and innovative ideas to help shape the future of events in our region. Mayor Cass Coleman said, “The creativity and commitment of our community is essential to building a vibrant events calendar that reflects the unique character of the Seven Valleys and we’re committed to building on that potential”.
Makers Month is an exciting new creatives and art festival that will see The Foundations at Portland come alive with the “spirit of making”. Beginning on October 4th 2025, each weekend in October will focus on a different form of hands-on creativity. From artisan markets and leathercraft, to plein air drawing and blacksmithing, Makers Month is a celebration of art, culture, local heritage, and regional talent.
The Lithgow Ridgy-Didge Trail Running Festival is an increasingly popular event on the NSW Trail running calendar building in popularity and reach since its inception in 2022. This event showcases the beautiful natural areas of the Seven Valleys to passionate runners and their families who come from out of the region to stay and enjoy everything that Lithgow has to offer. The starters gun for the first wave of competitors fires as the sun rises on the 28th of March 2026.
Pictured: Makers Market at The Foundations, hands on workshops at The Foundations have always proved popular, Ridgy Didge Trail Run
