City of Newcastle hopes the growing impact of the Newcastle Fringe Festival will inspire more people to find creative ways to promote and celebrate suburban business precincts.
Supported by the Special Business Rates (SBR) program, the 2026 edition of Fringe injected around $1.25 million into Newcastle’s economy through a record attendance of more than 18,000, with over 40% of people travelling from outside the LGA.
Image © Daina Marie Photography. Fringe Feast in Hamilton 2026
The latest round of SBR funding opens on 1 June for creative and innovative projects that can activate and promote the suburbs of Hamilton, Wallsend and New Lambton.
City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy & Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said SBR funding directly benefits local businesses by increasing visitation and enhancing the precinct.
“An independent assessment has shown Newcastle Fringe Festival attracted 4,000 more attendees than last year and generated $1.25 million for the local economy,” Mr Kaiser said.
“More than 85% of local businesses said the festival’s opening night, Fringe Feast in Hamilton’s Beaumont Street, led to an increase in foot traffic, with 62% reporting it resulted in new customers.
“Besides a strong local turnout, the event also attracted 830 visitors who booked an average of three nights’ accommodation for the 12-day festival, culminating in a total spend of more than $540,000.
“The event showcased our wonderful community spirit with the number of volunteers rising from 70 to 110, as they supported 15 venues across the city.
“We’re also proud of the support the festival provides to local artists, with more than $243,000 earned by performers, representing a substantial increase from $188,000 in 2025.
“The positive impacts of the Newcastle Fringe Festival are testament to the value of the SBR program and its support of initiatives that deliver real, measurable benefits for our business precincts.
“We hope this example inspires other to put forward their own proposals for SBR funding, which will showcase what our suburbs have to offer and activate them in a unique way.”
Aside from supporting the Newcastle Fringe Festival, the previous round of SBR funding also assisted the successful Greening Beaumont Street project, a 12-month community-led initiative to replant, clean and care for the mosaic planter boxes in the heart of Hamilton.
In Wallsend, the Full Circle Collective received funding for the Op Shop Trail, which included walking tours with lunch, two community clothes swaps and a repair café, while Curious Legends created the Halloween-themed event, Wallsend Frights, a safe and inclusive event for families.
The SBR Suburban program will open for applications from 1 June and close at midnight on 30 June 2026.
Businesses in the smaller precinct of New Lambton will have the chance to apply for SBR funding for the first time since 2023.
Previous examples of projects supported by SBR funding include the creation of a mural on New Lambton Library, standalone smart gardening systems on local shopfronts and a free family event known as the Little Festival New Lambton.
Individuals and groups interested in learning more about this year’s funding program can attend an online information session on Thursday 28 May at 10am. The session will provide details on eligibility criteria, assessment criteria and the application process, as well as offering the chance to ask questions.
More information about the SBR program and a link to register for the information session can be found on City of Newcastle’s website.