The City of Greater Bendigo is pleased to announce Bendigo will continue to host the popular Lost Trades Fair after securing a new three-year agreement.
The new agreement comes as the Lost Trades Fair returns this weekend, Saturday March 19 and Sunday March 20, at the Bendigo racecourse.
Over 150 artisans will be demonstrating and exhibiting skills in lost arts, rare trades and forgotten crafts. The event is one the largest traditional trades events in Australia and is returning after it was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Greater Bendigo Manager Tourism and Major Events Terry Karamaloudis said the fair's move to Bendigo has been a resounding success.
"We are thrilled to announce the City and Lost Trades organisers have struck a new three-year deal for the fair to continue in Bendigo," Mr Karamaloudis said.
"The fair attracted over 20,000 people at its debut in 2020 and this weekend promises to be another bumper event. Bookings for the fair have hit new records in pre-event ticket sales.
"Data from the bookings so far reveal that huge numbers are travelling to Bendigo from all over Australia to attend the two-day show. That means people are staying overnight and making the most of Bendigo's hospitality.
"The fair is now considered to be one of the largest traditional trades events in Australia, so this really is a game-changer for Greater Bendigo in terms of stimulating our local economy and boosting recovery for businesses.
Lost Trades Fair organiser Lisa Rundell said relocating the fair to Bendigo was a fantastic move.
"We are very excited to secure a new three-year agreement as this will allow us to bring new opportunities to build on the event's success and plan for the future. Moving the two-day event to Bendigo has been incredible, way beyond our expectations," Ms Rundell said.
"I wish to thank the City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo racecourse for their amazing support and contribution to the fair's success as it has quickly established itself as a must-see event in this beautiful city.
"People can enjoy a unique experience and see for themselves how things are made by hand with great skill, passion and dedication using materials such as metal and glass, stone, clay and wax, wood, textiles.
"Bendigo is the perfect home for Lost Trades giving us the space to grow and still retain the event's integrity and original purpose. In line with Government guidelines, we have planned a COVIDSafe event to showcase our fabulously talented artisans and creators and people can move around and watch lost trades come to life."
Tickets are available at the gate or online at https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo/whatson/lost-trades-fair
