Central Coast Council is encouraging local producers to register to be part of the 2018 Harvest Festival following a fruitful first event this year.

More than 10,000 people attended the two day Festival in June, despite the unfavourable weather, with visitors hailing it a success and keen to come back next year.

Council Connected Communities Group Leader, Ms Julie Vaughan, is calling on local farmers, businesses and event organisers to be a part of the popular Festival promoting the hidden gems of our valleys and mountains to be held in June 2018.

“We will be reproducing the Harvest Festival next year that celebrates the fantastic local produce and the producers in our region, showcasing their diversity through a range of events and activities,” Ms Vaughan said.

“We are looking to support a range of unique events and activities that will add to our diverse Festival calendar for the Coast.

“It’s a great time to make your next big idea happen for the valleys and mountains, as we also have just opened our new-look grants and sponsorship funding program so the timing is perfect to look for funding for your event.”

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open to participate in the Festival – which could be as simple as farm gate sales, markets, ticketed and dining experiences, music events, art installations or community events.

Events will be held across six hubs at Peats Ridge, Calga, Somersby, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura and Yarramalong. The program has been designed to encourage festival-goers to follow an event trail supporting visitation at multiple hubs.

Council Administrator, Mr Ian Reynolds, said the Harvest Festival had proven to be a hit for locals and visitors to the region. Next year’s Festival will be a great opportunity to build on the initial success and make it a must-see event on the tourism calendar.

“We had busloads of people travel from all over to visit our mountains and valleys and I can only imagine how big the Festival is going to be next year,” Mr Reynolds said.

“That is exactly why we are investing more in tourism and we are committed to growing events unique to the Central Coast, like the Harvest Festival that will make the Coast the place to visit no matter what your interest.”

EOIs are due in before 5pm, Friday 22 September.

Find out how you can be involved by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/harvestfestival or come along to our information night on Monday 11 September from 6-8pm at Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club.