The Winter Magic committee has been working behind the scenes to develop a fresh artistic vision for the return of the festival in 2019 and has invited community groups to develop arts and performance projects to put on on the day.

These might include street theatre, staged performances  or art installations in the Cultural Centre, Civic Place or in the many galleries, restaurants, shops and other spaces of Katoomba.

Winter Magic committee president Naomi Parry said the new committee had done a major “rethink” of the festival’s purpose and “what we can do, given the financial constraints we have”. “One of the critical issues is about trying to fit the number of people turning up to the festival in the space we have.”

She said next year the festival will adopt a “new artistic model, one that is aimed at creating real opportunities for community-driven creative engagement”.

“This new framework is a response to community feedback and the festival committee’s decision to focus on culture, community, and supporting our artists.

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“We have been fundraising and hope to be able to provide funds to support new artistic endeavours on the day. We want to allow arts and performance to flourish in the street and within spaces like the Cultural Centre, Civic Place, and the areas activated for the recent successful Live & Local Festival.

“We will make space for these activities by reducing the number of stalls and limiting the parade,” she said.

She did admit that it was unclear as yet exactly how the parade will be “limited”. The committee will be guided by traffic management experts and the Roads and Maritime Service.

“Mostly we want to get people engaged … and find a way to get local performers and artists to make the festival sing.”

Winter Magic was cancelled this year after concerns were raised about traffic management and other organisational issues.

It was to have been the festival’s 25^th year and in many ways it had become a victim of its own success, drawing enormous crowds.

The largely new committee is seeking more help from locals, Ms Parry said.

“We need people who are interested in co-ordinating performers, waste management, communications and other key roles. In the coming weeks we will also be opening applications for performers and stallholders.

“We are also keen to hear from sponsors and donors – donations may be made through our website, www.wintermagic.com.au, and we invite sponsors to get in touch.”