In another boost for the north east, the Victorian Government has secured funding for the Mansfield Lantern Festival - attracting visitors and fueling local businesses.
The event will take place from 19th-21st June in Mansfield and will draw visitors from across Victoria to experience a magical mix of lanterns, fire, live music, art, food and community connection. In 2026, the festival is forecast to welcome more than 3,000 attendees, generating over $500,000 in direct visitor expenditure for the Mansfield region.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced the support, which will attract visitors from interstate and across Victoria – supporting local businesses in and around Mansfield.
Mansfield Lantern Festival has been funded through the latest round of the Government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund – which has also supported local events such as La Fiera Italian Festival, Benalla Street Art Festival and the High-Country Hop Harvest Festival.
The fund is delivered by Visit Victoria and supports festivals, sporting events and art exhibitions that create local jobs, boost tourism and showcase Victoria’s regional communities.
It offers up to $500,000 for major events of national or international significance and up to $50,000 for events that draw visitors from across the state and country.
In the past year, regional events across the state have attracted more than a million attendees and led to more than 300,000 hotel nights being booked.
Since 2016, the Government’s Regional Events Fund has supported more than 450 events across regional Victoria.
Visit Victoria’s Major Events Fund also supports marquee events held regionally, including the Rip Curl Pro, the Superbikes World Championship Australian Round, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and Beyond the Valley.
More information about the fund can be found at corporate.visitvictoria.com/events/regional-events-fund.
Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“The Regional Events Fund brings thousands of visitors to local communities, providing a huge boost for businesses and showcasing some of Victoria’s most incredible destinations.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“We’re thrilled to support the Mansfield Lantern Festival. Not only will it be an incredible spectacle, but it will help fill local hotels, pubs, cafes and businesses with visitors.”
Quote attributable to Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
“Events like this help create demand from people interested in exploring Victoria and convert them into visitors who contribute to our record $43.7 billion visitor economy.”
