'Inundated': skating sessions sell out, business up baking until 2am to restock
THE organisers were hoping for the best, but didn't quite know what to expect when the Bathurst Showgrounds Winter Festival opened on July 4, 2026. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue. . .
THE organisers were hoping for the best, but didn't quite know what to expect when the Bathurst Showgrounds Winter Festival opened on July 4, 2026. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue readingAll articles from our website& appThe digital version ofToday'sPaperAll otherin your areaFortunately, the community heard their message andturned out in droves, with the secretary manager of the Trust, Tracey Seaman, saying the festival was "inundated by people". People ice skating at the Bathurst Showgrounds Winter Festival on July 4, 2026. Picture by Rachel ChamberlainThe event was so popular that she said some of the food vendors sold out of food before the night was through. "Village Bakehouse had sold yesterday's and today's stock, so they had to go back last night until two o'clock this morning and bake flat-out to be ready for today," Ms Seaman said on Sunday morning. Ride operators have also said it was the busiest opening day they've had at any winter festival in Bathurst they've been a part of. "They reckon they were about a third up on the best ever," Ms Seaman said. "Skating likewise. They said it was better than last year, the first day, and they've got bookings that are better than last year for this week as well. "The level of community support shown on day one is a great outcome for the festival organisers, who are feeling optimistic about the remainder of the two-week event. "We were exceptionally hopeful, but given what happened [on Saturday], we're absolutely thankful that everyone showed up in support," Ms Seaman said. "We actually had people come through and say, 'Thank you, thank you so much', for keeping it going and putting it on, so we are, at this point, really comfortable that it is going to go really well for the next two weeks. "Attention now turns to day two of the opening weekend, which continues with the Brew and Bite theme. Food vendors, wineries and distilleries will be back at the showground from 10am on Sunday, July 5, and all the carnival games andamusementswill be there to entertain families. The ice skating rink is expected to prove popular again on Sunday after some of the sessions sold out on day one. Skating sessions will run on the hour all day, with the last session commencing at 8pm. Ms Seaman encouraged people to purchase their tickets online to ensure they don't miss out on their preferred time. "I would suggest booking in advance. There will be a few [tickets] here and there, but if you want to bring a group especially, you really need to book in advance," she said. "The weekends will obviously be busier, but they've been inundated. They have said they really want people to book so they don't miss out when they get here. "Coming up in week oneWhile Brew and Bite has wrapped, there will be more themed days and special offers at the festival during its first week. There will be a greater incentive to bring the kids to the winter festival on Tuesday, July 7, where two-for-one rides will be on offer for Kids Day. This offer is available from 12pm to 4pm, making it a little easier for families to attend the festival amid cost of living pressures. The two-storey carousel has returned to Bathurst for the winter festival. Picture by Rachel ChamberlainOn Wednesday, July 8, the first of two all-abilities days will be held. There will be dedicated sessions on the ice for people with disabilities, and lots of inclusive activities. On Thursday, July 9, it's pet day at the festival. People are encouraged to bring their pets to the showground, with prizes on offer for the cutest pet and the most unique. As the week draws to a close, there will be one more event specifically for people under the age of 18, the Bathurst Winter Disco. There will be three supervised sessions held in the Trivett Pavillion on Friday, July 10:Children three to seven years: 3pm to 4. 30pmChildren eight to 12 years: 4. 45pm to 6. 45pmTeenagers 13 to 17 years: 7pm to 9pmThis disco is neon-themed and everyone is encouraged to dress up for the occasion. As it happensBreaking news alertBe the first to know when news breaks.