Newcastle has won a prestigious international award for great festivals and events for the third year running.
The city was recognised best in the world for community leadership and festival and event partnerships at the annual International Festivals & Events Association Convention in Tucson, Arizona, on Wednesday night.
Newcastle outranked cities of a similar population tally to be named the 2016 recipient of the IFEA’s World Festival & Event City.
“This award marks the hat-trick for the city,” Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said, “and again confirms that the work being undertaken by Newcastle City Council in the festival and event sector is world class.
“Newcastle is now a thriving cultural and events city, which is clear from the range and quantity of exciting events on the annual calendar and the cultural initiatives the city has been able to achieve.
“From sporting events to arts and cultural festivals, markets, conventions and exhibitions, Newcastle offers a bevy of experiences for visitors and locals to enjoy, and it’s only set to grow with the addition of the Supercars event next year and a future cruise terminal for the port.”
In 2014/2015, Newcastle hosted a range of events that resulted in increased visitation to the city and development of local event facilities and tour products.
These included resurfacing of Hunter Stadium, upgrades to walking paths connecting transport hubs and event venues and the tour packages incorporating Asian Cup tickets delivered in partnership with the NSW Government and the Local Organising Committee.
A broad variety of events and activities demonstrate Newcastle’s outstanding ability to host large-scale events.
They included: The Asian Super Moto in 2015 and 2016, Anzac Rugby League Test in 2016, AFC Asian Cup Australia 2015, Port to Port Newcastle MTB, Australian Bowl Riding Championships, Nutrigrain Ironman Series, This That Music Festival, Newcastle China Festival and Newcastle’s Australia Day Festival and ANZAC Day ceremony.
Newcastle also won the gong in 2012, meaning it has won the award in four out of the past five years.
