Imagine Lithgow’s most iconic structures including Blast Furnace Park, Hoskins Church and the Bowenfels Rail Viaducts bathed in coloured lights and displayed in all their glory.
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Lithgow City Council is working on a grand plan to breathe new life into the Lithglo festival by returning to the event’s original focus of illuminating heritage buildings around Lithgow.
In recent years the annual event has centred on markets in Queen Elizabeth Park without the spotlight on heritage structures.
According to a council spokesman the event had “lost its initial focus” following the huge success of the first event in 2012.
The plan also involves moving Lithglo to a date after the conclusion of daylight saving.
Council’s director of economic development and environment Andrew Muir said the change of date would enable to the light show to deliver a “wow factor” not possible in the summer months.
Lithgow City Council is in discussion with the operators of the State Mine Railway to explore the possibility of running trains between Eskbank Station, Blast Furnace Park and the State Mine.
“They are in the final stages of getting all necessary approvals and we are hoping this will pan out,” Mr Muir said.
“That’s where we’d love to see it head. To link those important sites with something that’s very interesting for young families as well to have a rail experience.”
Mr Muir emphasised council’s desire to transform Lithglo into a major event in order to attract visitors from outside the area to boost local business.
“Lithglo should be an event in its own right and… we think we can build on it and start making it into something bigger in terms of an event that attracts people and promotes our area,” he said.
Council will still like to see markets held in December this year however will not partner with the market company that provided the market stalls in 2016.
“Council held discussions with the market providers of previous years, but despite putting forward options to support the event, they chose not participate,” the council spokesman said.
“Whilst we are disappointed with their decision, we will now move forward and look for another partner as a market event in Queen Elizabeth Park in early summer is likely to be well supported in the community.”
