newy.com.au – Six Newcastle events will receive NSW Government funding through the 2026/27 Regional Event Fund, as part of a more than $1.3 million investment in grassroots events across regional NSW.
The Newcastle recipients are Jackalope Block Party, New Annual, Newcastle Food Month, Newcastle Fringe Festival, Newcastle Tuna & Seafood Festival and Pours in the Port.
The fund, delivered through Destination NSW, will support 56 events across the state, ranging from food and wine festivals to cultural celebrations and sporting events. Grants of up to $50,000 will help organisers with marketing, public relations, infrastructure and equipment hire, with the aim of improving visitor experiences, increasing overnight stays and encouraging spending in regional communities.
The funding announcement comes as new Tourism Research Australia data shows regional NSW remains Australia’s leading regional visitor destination. In the year to March 2026, regional NSW attracted more than 64 million international and domestic visitors, who contributed more than $27 billion to the NSW visitor economy.
Regional NSW also recorded more total visits and nights stayed than regional Victoria and regional Queensland during the period. The result represents 61.9 per cent of the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 expenditure target of $44 billion for regional NSW.
The Regional Event Fund has supported more than 650 events with more than $17 million in funding since it began in 1996, including events such as the Deni Ute Muster and the Parkes Elvis Festival.
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the funding recognised the city’s strong events calendar.
“Newcastle is a cultural hub with a great annual lineup of festivals and events. The NSW Government knows this and are investing in a whopping six local events funded by the Regional Event Fund.”
“These events stimulate our local economy, bring tourists into our city, and provide entertainment and enjoyment for Novocastrians.”
“Congratulations to all the recipients, I can’t wait to see our city come alive for these fantastic events.”
