It’s time for local farmers, businesses and event organisers to express their interest in being part of Central Coast Council’s 2025 Harvest Festival - one of the largest and most successful events on the Central Coast!

Council Director of Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith is hoping to provide our community and visitors with a diverse Festival calendar for 2025 with a range of unique events and activities. 

“The Harvest Festival event highlights and supports the Central Coast Hinterland, rural farming communities, and showcases the gorgeous heritage villages through the delivery of lively event hubs” Ms Smith said.

“Its popularity grows each year and attracts thousands of people to our region’s hinterland from near and far. This year's Festival presented a range of unique events and experiences across thirty event hubs and drew an estimated 51,000 attendees over the long weekend, resulting in an economic boost of $6.1 million for our region.

“It’s a great opportunity for local businesses, companies, organisations or community groups to create their own event hub to showcase the hinterland environment, indigenous and cultural heritage, local produce, industry, arts, culture or communities through a variety of experiences or activities.

“I encourage any local farmers, businesses, organisations, or community groups located in the Hinterland to submit their interest by 22 November 2024 to be a part of the Harvest Festival program on 7 and 8 June 2025.”

Event hub experiences or event ideas may include:

• Farm open days, tours or talks
• Pick your own produce
• Food experiences with local produce, cooking demonstrations or local dining events
• Indigenous Cultural experiences/bush tucker tours
• Cinema under the stars
• Art events / installations
• Live music and entertainment events
• Family fun events
• Markets
• Obstacle course races or fun runs
• Other experiences, activities or events that showcase the hinterland and its culture

Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said that the annual Harvest Festival is one of the most successful community events in the region. 

“Presented by Council, Harvest Festival comes together due to the collaborative efforts of many Event Hub Partners who organise unique experiences, tours, events and activities for the local community,” Mayor McKinna said. 

“Each year, the event showcases our spectacular hinterland communities, as well as our beautiful local produce, unique venues and fun experiences. 

“I wholeheartedly encourage previous partners and all interested local farmers, businesses and community groups to submit their expressions of interest to be part of next year’s Harvest Festival.”

Expressions of Interest to participate in the 2025 Harvest Festival must be submitted online by 2pm, 22 November 2024.  Search ‘Harvest Festival EOI’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au for more information.

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