One of Bathurst’s most popular annual events has been given a new lease on life, with a fresh partnership ensuring the region’s winter celebrations will continue in 2026.
The newly launched Bathurst Showground Winter Festival will run from 4-19 July during the NSW school holidays, bringing many of the much-loved attractions locals have come to expect, while introducing a range of new experiences for visitors and families.
Ace Attractions and the Bathurst Showground Land Manager Trust have joined forces to deliver the event, which will now be held at the Bathurst Showground.
Festival-goers can look forward to the return of the McDonald’s ice rink, carnival rides and the iconic carousel, alongside new additions including Honky Tonk nights, market days, food and wine events and the return of popular all-abilities and pet-friendly days.
Since its inception in 2015, the Winter Festival has grown into one of regional NSW’s most successful winter events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and generating significant economic benefits for Bathurst and surrounding communities.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole welcomed the announcement, describing it as a win for the entire region.
“This is proof of what can happen when local businesses and the community come together,” Mr Toole said.
“This is exactly the type of event our region needs, a vibrant, family-friendly activity that will also be a major boost for local jobs and businesses.
“In just a matter of days, an incredible amount of work has gone into ensuring this major event not only survives, but returns in a fresh new format for families, locals and visitors to enjoy.”
Mr Toole said the festival had become an important part of Bathurst’s identity and played a valuable role in supporting local businesses during the quieter winter months.
Ace Attractions organiser Jade Evans said preserving the festival was a priority once its future became uncertain.
“Once events like this disappear, it’s incredibly hard to bring them back,” Ms Evans said.
“We knew how much the Winter Festival means to Bathurst, so we wanted to do everything possible to keep it alive and give the community something exciting to look forward to.
“It’s now up to locals, families and visitors to come and support this event and ensure it has a future beyond 2026.”
A special acknowledgement was given to Ms Evans and the team at Ace Attractions for stepping forward to keep the event alive, along with the Bathurst Showground Land Manager Trust for providing a new home for the festival.
Organisers say the event will celebrate Bathurst’s community spirit, creativity and regional pride, with local performers, artists, entertainers and businesses encouraged to become involved through sponsorship, activations and performance opportunities.
With planning now well underway, the countdown is officially on for what promises to be one of the biggest winter events in the Central West.
For sponsorship, stallholder, or performance enquiries, contact the organisers at aceattractions@yahoo.com or email admin@bathurstshowground.com.au.
