Live night concert performance
SWAP MEET, MUSIC AND CAROL SINGING:  Wagga Wagga City Council is supporting three great community events: ‘Wagga Wagga Swap Meet’ in July, and ‘Carols by Candlelight’ and ‘Christmas with the Con’ in December.

Events & Tourism

Council supports three major Wagga Wagga events

Published: 26 Jun 2024 2:54pm

Three major events in Wagga Wagga will be supported by City of Wagga Wagga's Major Events, Festivals and Film Sponsorship 2024/25 fund.

At its Ordinary Meeting on Monday 24 June, a total of $28,000 funding support was endorsed by Council under Round One of the program toward the delivery of the Carols by Candlelight, the Wagga Wagga Swap Meet, and Christmas with the Con events.

Council’s Destination & Events Coordinator Kimberly Parker said this program plays an important role in supporting organisers to deliver major events in the city.

“This funding recognises the importance of events bringing visitors to our region, showcasing our public spaces and energising our city,” Ms Parker said.

“These successful events align to the aims of this funding program of supporting innovative events delivering strong social benefits and economic returns for Wagga Wagga.”

After a hiatus, the Carols by Candlelight will return to Wagga Wagga rejuvenated by the not-for-profit organisation, Specialist Medical Resources Foundation.

The event is scheduled to be held from 6-7 December 2024 at Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Music Bowl.

The second successful funding recipient is the Wagga Wagga Swap Meet, delivered by the ‘Classic and Historic Automobile Club of Australia – Wagga Wagga Region’.

The Wagga Wagga Swap Meet has run for the last 27 consecutive years. The event is scheduled to be held from 21-22 July 2024 at Wagga Wagga Showground.

The third recipient is Christmas with the Con, which is staged and delivered by the Riverina Conservatorium of Music.

In its fourth year, the event aims to bring community and visitors to the city together to enjoy a free evening of live music performances.

Christmas with the Con is scheduled to be held at the Riverside: Wagga Beach event space and mainstage area on 14 December 2024.

Ms Parker said the recommended funding was determined by a panel including two community members with event management experience.

“The program has three streams – incubator events, developing events and flagship events – catering for the different development and growth of events,” Ms Parker said.

“There are more opportunities for event organisers to apply for Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship, with Round Two of funding now open for applications.”

Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Funding categories

Incubator Events

New innovative events that are in their first or second year can apply for funding from $3000 – $10,000.

Developing Events

Events that have been running successfully for more than two consecutive years can apply for up to $20,000.

Flagship Events

Events that have already received the maximum amount of funding through the Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship program in previous years can apply for funding from $10,000 – $20,000.