Byron Fest, a multi-week festival in June 2027, will be a festival for the Shire, say Destination Byron as they finalise the $200,000 grant from the Regional Night-Time Economy Program.
‘We’ve been really lucky that we’re one of ten regions in NSW that have been selected to have this grant,’ Sarah Anderson from Destination Byron told The Echo.
‘We see this grant as a fantastic opportunity to boost our night-time vibrancy and a vibrant night-time economy across the Shire during the low season next year. It can look like incredible theatre, it can be a dance performance, it can be wellness activities, or talks. In our region, we have so many incredible organisations, and we are inviting businesses and organisations throughout Byron Shire to get involved.
‘We are looking for people who want to offer something during the festival under the pillars of sustainability, wellness, arts and culture, local food and beverage, and entrepreneurship.’
Sarah says this is a great opportunity for innovative collaborations between artists, small and large businesses, and small organisations or individuals to create vibrant events that will bring visitors here and support the local economy.
Micro grants
Destination Byron is also setting up a $60,000 micro-grants program that will be available
It is open to groups that want to stage something as part of the festival that will lead to ongoing activities and events.
‘We know that collaborations between business and the arts community are really important,’ said Sarah.
‘It is a great way to attract visitors to support positive, impactful events in the Shire. There are so many people with fantastic ideas who are keen to activate events throughout the festival, so I think it’ll be a lovely showcase of just how vibrant our community is.
‘We also hope that some of the collaborations live on beyond the life of the festival and drive year-round benefit for the community.’
If you are interested in getting involved, creating an event, or have ideas to contribute, contact Destination Byron at: www.destinationbyron.com.au.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
