The Coffs Coast economy will enjoy a stimulus boost with an influx of visitors set to spend up in local shops, cafes and businesses, thanks to the NSW Nationals in the state government's Regional Events Acceleration Fund.
Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said a $150,000 grant from the Fund will help ensure BananaFest, to be held for the first time next year, becomes a signature event to be proud of.
"BananaFest will be held at our national icon, The Big Banana Fun Park, on May 6 and 7 and we can't wait," Mr Singh said.
"This festival will be a celebration of music, food, local breweries, distilleries and wineries and it will showcase the history and cultural significance the banana industry has for our region.
"I congratulate the festival organisers on their successful application under the Regional Events Acceleration Fund and I'm proud the NSW Government is able to support the staging of the event in this way."
Big Banana CEO Michael Lockman said "It is very exciting to see The Big Banana's vision of BananaFest coming to fruition. This has been a goal of ours for many years and to have the support of the NSW Government means that we are finally in a position to add this to the calendar of events on the Coffs Coast.
"A family friendly two-day festival with great local food, music, culture and most importantly celebrating The Banana in every sense of the word. We are very much looking forward to working alongside the talents of Carl and Sherry from Another Tasty Event, along with many local suppliers to deliver the very first BananaFest 2023."
Another Tasty Event's Carl Mower said BananaFest exemplified his organisation's ability to host signature events on the Coffs Coast, with a proven track record of bringing visitors to town and stimulating the local economy.
"We're particularly proud BananaFest will focus on access and inclusion for all," Mr Mower said.
