To be held over three days, and entitled “Promise”, Ironfest 2010 will take place at the Lithgow Showground, Lithgow, over the weekend of April 24, 25 and 26, 2010.

Recognised by Tourism NSW, as an event of state significance, Ironfest is a recipient of Tourism NSW triennial flagship funding (2010 being the third and final year of this financial support).

Supported also by Delta Electricity, Lithgow City Council and the Emirates, plus a host of smaller supporters; Ironfest is the biggest annual arts festival west of the Great Divide.

It is also one of the fastest growing events in regional Australia, growing at over 20 per cent a year over the past five years.

“Ironfest attracts people from all over Australia, and increasingly, the world,” Founding Festival Director, Macgregor Ross said.

“It is the single biggest attractor of tourists to the township of Lithgow, and is worth close to $1.5 million to the local economy.

“It has also been an invaluable contributor to the developing positive image that people have of Lithgow.”

The event is truly unique; comprising of major large-scale historical events, including an international jousting event and a colonial era battle re-enactment, as well as art exhibitions, stalls, live musical acts, a farmers market, street performance, technological displays, art making workshops, blacksmithing demonstrations and competitions, woodchopping events, busking competitions, automotive displays, machinery exhibitions and lots more.

New events being planned for 2010 include a skating event (to be held at the new skate park), a Belly Dancing Congress and kite making-flying events.

Other new events will be announced between now and next April.

“We always want to put on new events; the belly dancing is a popular component of Ironfest and we want to build on that,” Mr Ross said.

“And for the past three years wind has been a bit of a problem; so we’ll go with that, and turn it to our advantage with kite flying.

“But if it’s not windy, I’m not going to complain.”

Any individual or community group interested in being involved in Ironfest in 2010 should contact Mac by email: ironfest@lisp.com.au or by phone on 63 531 638.