Northcote traders association Northcote Rise has locked in funding for a new street festival that's set to light up Melbourne's booming northern suburb.
Northcote’s High Street will host a bumper street festival that’s set to celebrate all the inner north has to offer, securing $300,000 in state government funding towards staging a family-friendly festival to support the revistalisation of the shopping strip and connect the community to local vendors.
It’ll be staged by Northcote’s local traders association Northcote Rise, which will build on the success of popular past events in the area like the High Noon and High Vibes festivals to create a new offering for all ages. The yet-unnamed Northcote festival will feature local artists, outdoor dining and bars, mini stages and stalls from local traders, with early planning underway.
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The Victorian government say they’re currently focused on reviving street festivals across the city in some of Melbourne’s “key suburban retail precincts”, with details for other festivals across Melbourne to be announced soon.
“This event will bring life into High Street and showcase everything it has to offer, giving people the opportunity to celebrate local businesses while also discovering new ones,” small business minister Jaala Pulford said.
“The foot traffic street festivals bring helps local economies from hospitality, arts and retailers, and supports community wellbeing by bringing a sense of excitement.”
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“Northcote is an iconic destination precinct with so much to offer. This festival will showcase our unique small businesses, hospitality, music and arts industries and bring families together in an exciting celebration of all things High Street,” Northcote MP Kat Theophanous added. “I’m proud to have worked with our passionate and creative traders in Northcote to get this idea off the ground. It will be a fantastic boost to our local economy.”
Northcote Rise president Zowie Minchin said it was just-reward for Northcote traders who have stuck in there during Covid, and are now trying to emerge out the other side in the midst of a record-breaking winter and low consumer confidence.
“Northcote traders and small businesses have been doing it really tough over these last couple of years, and it is just so fantastic to have this event to look forward to, to boost the spirits of the community and bring some energy and excitement back to the High Street strip.”
For the latest info, head to the Northcote Rise website here.
