Central Coast Council is seeking expressions of interest from local businesses, community groups, and organisations to become an event partner of the 2023 Harvest Festival - one of the largest and most successful events on the Central Coast.

Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Mel Smith said Harvest Festival grows in popularity each year and attracts thousands of people to our region’s hinterland from near and far.

“Harvest Festival celebrates the Central Coast’s picturesque and fertile hinterland across the June long weekend, with a focus on farm, friends, food and fun. Over 30,000 locals and visitors attended the 2022 event, injecting more than $3 million into the local economy and providing excellent exposure for participating event partners,” Ms Smith said.

“With the impacts of floods and intense rain this year, our farming and agriculture communities need a boost. We want to help support our region’s rural hinterland and make the next event our best yet.

“We’re keen to continue to evolve our relationship with existing partners and invite new businesses and groups to further enhance this celebration of farms, food, friends and fun.”

The event highlights eight rural farming communities and their gorgeous heritage villages through the delivery of lively event hubs ready for everyone to explore. Locations span Dooralong, Jilliby, Yarramalong, Wyong Creek, Kulnura, Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge, Somersby and Calga.

Expressions of Interest are sought across a range of offerings including but not limited to: 

• ticketed farm tours and talks
• pick your own produce experiences
• Indigenous cultural experiences and bush tucker tours
• art events and installations
• live music events
• family fun events
• cooking demonstrations
• food experiences with local produce
• obstacle course races/fun runs.

Central Coast Council Administrator, Rik Hart said this event is successful through collaboration by all involved.

“Harvest Festival is presented by Central Coast Council and is made possible through the unique experiences, tours, events and activities offered by each of the Event Hub Partners – and support from the local community that attends,” Mr Hart said. 

“The event shines a spotlight on the Central Coast’s spectacular hinterland communities, as well as on the region’s fantastic local produce, venues and experiences, and I look forward to seeing how we all continue to enhance this fantastic offering.”

Businesses, companies, organisations or community groups interested in being part of Harvest Festival in 2023 can complete an Expression of Interest online by 2pm Friday 9 September 2022.  

Learn more and apply at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/EOI.

ENDS