MORE businesses are set to be involved in the Bathurst Winter Festival this year, helping them reap the benefits of the additional people in the city.
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Businesses and council don't often see eye to eye when it comes to events and tourism, and councillors have previously said it is up to businesses to involve themselves in major events like the winter festival.
In preparation for this year's festival, mayor Graeme Hanger said council had built on previous iterations of the festival and provided a variety of ways for businesses to get involved.
"Council invited local businesses to an open information session in February, which was attended by more than 40 businesses," he said.
"The session provided information for businesses on the many ways they could engage in the festival."
Businesses had the opportunity to host an activity or event that would be listed in the official program of events, sponsor key events within the festival or decorate their businesses to match the theme.
Certain types of businesses could also create specific accommodation packages, which council would then feature on the Bathurst Winter Festival website.
This year will also offer a treasure hunt, where participants collect stamps from participating businesses.
There are also corporate ice skating packages available.
From the information session in February, council was able to attract 23 businesses with activities for the program of events, list 11 accommodation provider packages and add 17 businesses to the treasure hunt.
There will also be 13 businesses taking part in the Bring Winter Into Your Business initiative.
Cr Hanger said it was important that the whole community, businesses included, worked together to make events like the Bathurst Winter Festival a success.
"We had 55,000 people attend the festival last year and we want to see as many of those people venture into the local businesses and see what Bathurst has to offer - it's good for jobs and businesses," he said.
"The more community members and businesses participate in the festival, the more it adds to the overall atmosphere which takes over Bathurst when the festival arrives.
"Council hosts several key events within the 16-day festival, with the aim to encourage businesses to get involved to provide an action packed 16-day festival for locals and visitors.
"Local businesses are encouraged to work with council to make their events/activities official by registering through council. This will allow council to assist in the promotion of businesses."
This year's festival will commence on Saturday, July 6 with the first of two major events, Ignite the Night.
