More than 68,000 visitors from across the region and beyond attended the Harvest Festival over the June long weekend.
With 36 unique rural experiences on offer, this year’s festival had something for everyone.
The popular Winter event returned with a range of fun activities including farm tours, fruit picking and animal encounters.
Visitors also enjoyed high tea in the orchards, art workshops, whisky tastings accompanied by bagpipes, live country music, and even whip-cracking demonstrations.
Central Coast Council Director of Community and Recreation Services Melanie Smith said the festival continued to grow in popularity and community spirit.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the turnout – over 68,000 people came out to enjoy the Coast’s beautiful hinterland,” she said.
“That’s more than a third up on last year, which is just amazing.
“Harvest Festival started back in 2017 with around 10,000 visitors, so to see it evolve into such a loved event is something we’re proud of.
“It’s a real team effort from local farmers, creators and businesses who make it such a success.”
Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna said the festival was a major boost for our local businesses and importantly injected millions directly into the local economy.
“I am thrilled that despite the current cost-of-living pressures on many in the community, this year’s Harvest Festival drew the largest crowd yet, with over $8M flowing into the local economy,” he said.
“Festival participants received an abundance of positive feedback from the community and visitors, many of whom travelled from Sydney and beyond to experience the unique events on offer within our Central Coast rural farming communities.
“Harvest Festival is a great day out, and plays a key role to support local jobs, showcases our region’s growers and producers and highlights sustainable farming practices in our beautiful hinterland.
“Events like the Harvest Festival are critical for small businesses and tourism across our valleys and mountain communities.
“They support and shine a light on areas like Mangrove Mountain, Peats Ridge and Somersby.”
To learn more about the event, search Harvest Festival at lovecentralcoast.com
