Bathurst Regional Council had originally planned to hold the festival from July 6-21, which would've been the sixth edition of the annual event that begun back in 2015.

Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said he wants to see the festival held this year, if it's safe to do so.

"I'm all for doing something," he said.

"I want the town to start coming alive again and being productive and if it takes the winter festival to kick it off, then let's do it."

Cr Bourke did admit that this year's event would look vastly different to previous years if it did proceed.

He said if the event can happen, it might be more focused towards people within Bathurst, rather then trying to attract people outside the region.

"We've tried to attract people from other places in previous years but I think this year we'll be more focused on doing something for the local residents," he said.

"It just depends on the restrictions.

"We're still working through all those social distancing restrictions, to work out what the winter festival might look like."

Cr Bourke said if the winter festival can proceed, it would provide a significant boost to many of the local businesses that have been struggling due to a lack of turnover during the coronavirus pandemic.

"We're just playing it by ear and working through these social distancing measures," he said.

"They're starting to be relaxed now, so as we keep going, we might be able to have it."

Council general manager David Shirley said the festival brought in an estimated $1.6 million to the region in previous years.

"The winter festival has traditionally brought people together at a usually quite time of year and events such as this are an important contribution to the very fabric of our community," he said.

"The winter festival is still in the planning stages and council is committed to delivering something aimed at supporting local businesses and artists that is also in line with the state and federal government guidelines, which staff will continue to monitor."

The festival was originally launched back in 2015 to coincide with the city's bicentenary celebrations.