Penrith’s Real Festival will benefit from $20,000 in NSW government funding under the 2018 Flagship Event Fund from Destination NSW.
The fund is aimed at attracting more visitors to experience regional NSW and the grant will help ensure that the Real Festival, a free weekend event at Tench Reserve on the Nepean River, remains Penrith Council’s flagship event and continues to attract more than 22,000 visitors every year.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres gave the good news to Penrith Council Deputy Mayor, Tricia Hitchen last month.
Mr Ayres said the Fund, managed by the State’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, provides grants to support marketing activities that drive overnight visitation.
“I am delighted that Penrith City Council will receive $20,000 under the 2018 Flagship Event Fund for the Real Festival to be held in November this year,” Mr Ayres said.
“We look forward to welcoming many more visitors to Penrith as a result of this exciting event, helping to further position our region as a must-see destination in NSW.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall said Penrith’s Real Festival was one of 35 events and festivals across regional NSW that will receive grants through the 2018 Flagship Event Fund.
“The 2018 Flagship Event Program features events that reflect the unique character, culture and attributes of their local community,” Mr Marshall said.
“We know that support for events helps to promote our state’s fantastic destinations while putting more heads on beds, diners in our restaurants and shoppers in our boutiques.”
The Flagship Event Fund offers annual grants of $20,000 or a triennial grant of $27,500 each year for three years and is part of the expanded Regional Flagship Events Program. The event runs in November.