It all starts with Ignite the Night

MEDIA RELEASE 5 July 2018

The CBD will burst into colour, music and excitement with Ignite the Night on Saturday, 7 July marking start of the Bathurst Winter Festival.

The first feature event will commence at 12.00pm and continue through to 9.00pm. From midday, Edible Alley will be filled with delicious food stalls accompanied by wineries offering mulled wines, boutique beers and ciders.

There’s also a variety of performances and activities for children and a great line-up of live music to suit all tastes. All-new illuminations will light up the city at dusk adding brilliant colours to historic CBD landmarks.

The popular McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink, ferris wheel and the all new House of Mirrors will operate each day from July 7-22.

Mayor of Bathurst Graeme Hanger OAM said the event is a perfect opportunity for the community to come together to enjoy the atmosphere of the winter weather in our region.

“The occasion is a perfect time for our community and visitors to our region to come out into the city in what is usually a quiet time of year,” he said.

When: Saturday, 7 July from midday to 9.00pm

Highlights

A variety of delicious food Wineries offering mulled wine Brewers Mulled cider Dessert corner Live entertainment Performances on the ice rink Machattie Park’s Enchanted Forest and Fernery Activities and performances for children

Don’t miss

Edible Alley along Church Street or in Machattie Park. Stalls full of regionally sourced food and beverages Ice skating performers on the ice rink at 4.45pm, 5.45pm and 6.45pm Giant slide in Kings Parade on Church Street Colour in a kitty in Court House Lane on the Kitten Wall. Free silent disco in front of the Court House from 5.00pm to 9.00pm on feature event nights

Enchanted Forest – Machattie Park

Spoon Full of Sugar - a decadent dessert store Cirkus Surreal Show at 4.50pm, 6.15pm and 7.30pm Dancers from Pure Imagination Performing Arts at 1pm and 2.30pm Musicians performing in the Garden Bar including David Webb from 3pm and Marcus Bower from 6pm Garden Bar serving mulled wine and beer

Kings Parade

Tameka Kennedy and Ash Sproule from 1pm and Gabe Music from 4pm performing Spot the Jungle Book Party from 12pm Ronald McDonald and friends stroll through at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm Roving hula illumination and LED Robots from 5.30pm

Attractions

McDonald’s Bathurst Ice Rink

When: Operating each day of the Winter Festival from 9am to 9pm.

Where: Russell Street opposite the Court House

Cost: Tickets $5 for ages 2-14, $10 ages 15 and over. Skating aids $5 each.

A café will be in operation at the ice rink.

Tickets are available at www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au or on site subject to availability.

Ferris wheel

When: Each day of the Winter Festival from 9am to 9pm.

Where: Russell Street

Cost: Tickets are $5 per person to be purchased on the day.

Illuminations

When: Every day of the Winter Festival from dusk to 10pm

Where:

· Court House

· Court House Lane

· Fernery

· Cathedral of St Michael and St John (cnr Keppel and William Sts)

House of Mirrors

When: Every day of the Winter Festival from 9am to 9pm

Where: Russell Street (in front of Council Chambers)

Cost: $5 per person.

Tips for festival nights:

The key festival nights, Ignite the Night on Saturday, 7 July and Brew & Bite on Saturday, 14 July will both run from midday – 9pm. Parking will be available throughout the CBD including the public carpark near the RSL. Road closures in place at Russell St between William and George Street will be closed from Sunday, 30 June and will reopen on Friday, 28 July. Church Street will be closed to traffic on Saturday ,7 July, and again on Friday, 13 July from 2.00pm and Saturday, 14 July. Food will be available from vendors at Edible Alley (Church Street), Machattie Park and surrounding restaurants and cafes.

· Bring cash as ATMs are not available onsite. Nearby ATMs are available in the surrounding CBD.

· Bring last year’s event glass for wine purchases or you can buy one for $3 at the bar.

Bathurst Winter Festival sponsors include:

Major Partner

McDonald's Bathurst

Strategic Partner

Destination NSW

Accessibility Partner

LiveBetter Community Services

Support Partners

Kennards Hire Bathurst, Central Crane Services

Media Partners

Prime 7 Central West, 1503 2BS Gold, B-Rock and Bathurst City Life

Associate Partners

Bowman Dental, Stockland Bathurst, Supagas

Weather: The Bathurst Winter Festival will proceed unless in the event of extreme weather.

Please note: The Bathurst Winter Festival build is a construction site until Saturday, 7 July unauthorised entry for photos and/or interviews. Access can be coordinated via Council’s Media and Communications Officer.

Ends

Media Contact: Media and Communications Officer