Call for community, business and creatives for 2022 Autumn Festival

Published on 17 September 2021

Autumn may seem like a long way off, but planning is well underway for the 2022 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. 

We are now taking registrations from community groups, businesses and creatives who are interested in running an activity or event and being a part of the 2022 festival program.

You don’t have to create a big event to take part. Whether you ‘autumn-up’ your retail window or promote an autumn inspired menu item, it all contributes to a festival feeling and provides an incentive for visitors—and locals—to explore further, stay longer and spend locally.  

Funding support is available for those wanting to participate, as are a range of marketing and promotional activities. Council and Daylesford Macedon Ranges Tourism will help you get the message out to visitors and community.  

This year a grant is available to deliver an artistic experience or attraction as a highlight of the festival. Suitably qualified artists are being invited to discuss concepts and submit expressions of interest. 

A section of the new festival website will highlight our Eat and Drink promotions, featuring special offers during the festival period from our amazing producers and foodie businesses. This could be a simple autumn festival menu item or cocktail, a cellar door special, or team up with a local musician to provide entertainment.  

A specific opportunity for our gastronomy businesses is participation in an autumn-themed pie and tart trail. This fun activity will be supported with a map and promotion to encourage hungry hordes to visit businesses. 

Angela Hughes, Director Planning and Environment encouraged local businesses, community groups and creatives to get involved in the 2022 Autumn Festival.  

“Held over one month from late March to late April, the 2022 Autumn Festival will showcase local producers, creatives and businesses, and encourage community and visitors alike to engage in the diversity of experiences to be had across the shire. 

“The festival is also intended to help the social and economic recovery of our community from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.  

“Council recently undertook a survey asking local businesses and community for their input and ideas to help shape the 2022 festival. We had an amazing response with some fantastic suggestions,” said Ms Hughes.  

Find out more and to sign up to the Autumn Festival e-newsletter at Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Registration for your event and activity concepts, and applications to the funding support program are now open.