A BELOVED attraction will return alongside the ice rink and ferris wheel when the Bathurst Winter Festival gets under way in July.
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The two-storey carousel, which has been featured in past winter festivals, has been confirmed as part of the lineup for the winter playground.
The announcement was made on May 7, when Bathurst Regional Council launched the 2024 Bathurst Winter Festival.
Deputy mayor Ben Fry said people can expect a suite of entertainment, with plenty of fan favourites there.
"This winter festival will be similar to years gone by, where we are packing all the activities into Kings Parade and the surrounding areas," he said.
"We're going to make sure all the fan favourites are there, like your ferris wheel, the ice rink. This year will see the return of the carousel.
"Also, the market stalls are always a fan favourite, and the Brew and Bite nights."
The festival will begin on Saturday, July 6 with opening night entertainment and continue through to July 21.
Over the two weeks, there will also be plenty of days that make the attractions accessible to children and people with disabilities.
The footprint of the festival will be somewhat limited this year, with Machattie Park largely off limits due to safety concerns resulting from the flying fox colony.
Cr Fry said the council is exploring what other areas it can utilise as it finalises the festival layout over the coming weeks.
"Any challenge presents opportunity," he said.
"The bats are a really unfortunate situation that's out of our control, but discussions are ongoing."
Festival highlights
Here are some of the things on the program for the 2024 Bathurst Winter Festival.
- Winter playground, open from 9am to 9pm every day of the festival, featuring the ice rink, ferris wheel and two-storey carousel.
- Illuminations, every night of the festival from sundown to 10pm. The fernery will be lit up, and there will be interactive illuminations in Court House Lane.
- Opening night on Saturday, July 6 with food trucks, mulled wines, craft beers, ciders and locally made spirits.
- Kids Day on Wednesday, July 10 and Wednesday, July 17.
- Accessibility Day on Thursday, July 11.
- Brew and Bite on Friday, July 12 and Saturday, July 13, with food stalls, markets, live music, and roving entertainment.
- Winter Wind-Down on Sunday, July 21, with the final day of the festival to include market stalls, live music, a pet parade, and a pet adoption drive.