Moyne Shire Council, Media Release, 29 July 2022

More than $5 million was pumped into the local economy in the first half of the year thanks to two local festivals, economic data shows.

The Port Fairy Folk Festival and Long Weekend Street Fair, held in March, and the Koroit Irish Festival, held in late April, resulted in a $5,118,949 increase in spending across the Moyne Shire.

ending associated with The Port Fairy Folk Festival and the Port Fairy Street Fair totaled $3.58M, up 40 per cent from the previous year when the festival was postponed due to Covid.

An increase of $1.53 million was recorded during the Koroit Irish Festival – up 27 per cent from the previous year when the festival ran on a limited program.

Moyne Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Smith said he was thrilled events have bounced back strongly after two difficult years.

“We know events like the Folkie and Irish Festival have huge benefits for the Moyne Shire and these figure prove it,” he said.

“Festivals and events like these have benefits beyond ticket sales – they bring visitors to the region who stay with our accommodation providers, eat at our restaurants and cafes and visit our tourist attractions.

“Festivals and events support local businesses and in turn local jobs – they have wide reaching benefits and that is why Council is so proud to support the array of events held across the region.”

Cr Smith said it was estimated more than 4,000 people visited Koroit over the Irish Festival weekend and more than 10,000 people visited Port Fairy for the Folk Festival and Street Fair.

More than 120 events are held across Moyne Shire each year including major events, sporting events, festivals and community celebrations.

More information on events in Moyne Shire region can be found via www.moyne.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Events