The Singleton economy will receive a stimulus boost with an influx of visitors set to spend big in local shops, cafes and businesses, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund.
Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said a $149,910 grant for Singleton Council to stage the Firewalk Spectacular and Firelight event ensuring it creates a signature annual event in the Hunter region.
“The town centre will be transformed with a series of vibrant installations that engage and immerse visitors to Singleton in an unforgettable sensory experience,” Mr Layzell said.
“The funding will be used for light and interactive activations along the Cook Park footpath, interactive projection and street mapping for the Firelight major event, security, traffic management and pedestrian management.”
Firewalk will activate the Dunolly Bridge-Cook Park precinct with spectacular displays of laser lights and projections nightly from 6pm during May 14-22.
Firewalk illuminations tell the stories of the region celebrating the rich horticultural and industrial heritage, the history of the people and the land and demonstrating vibrant art to compliment and promote the newly opened Singleton Arts and Cultural Centre.
On Saturday evening 21 May, John Street will fire-up with flames, food and fun when Firelight takes centre stage in the heart of town.
Entertainment for the family-friendly event includes fire dancers, live music, laser and light shows supported by food stalls, food trucks and laneway bars.
The events are free but will require a ticket attend which can be obtained from the Singleton Council website.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.
“Money is rolling out right across regional NSW helping local events go from strength to strength and putting regional NSW on the map,” Mr Toole said.
“We know that hosting events in regional areas attracts visitors to towns, and those guests will spend money in local shops, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or café, and boost regional businesses and economies.
“Since its inception, the Regional Events Acceleration Fund has supported the delivery and development of 85 events, with more than one million visitors travelling to the regional areas where these events are held.”
The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
Applications for Round Two of the Regional Events Acceleration Fund are now open and close 5pm Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: nsw.gov.au/REAFund.
Photo: Dave Layzell MP with Singleton Council's Director of Organisation and Community Capacity, Vicki Brereton, at Cook Park, Singleton ahead of Firewalk & Firelight.
