The Armidale region was the place to be on the October long weekend as the city and surrounds buzzed with energy, attracting thousands of visitors for a lineup of sensational events.
From the rousing Cold Chisel concert to the Australian Orienteering championships and annual Guyra Trout Festival – more than 11,000 people visited the area over the long weekend bringing more than $3 million in economic benefit to the Armidale region.
From sold out accommodation to busy clubs, pubs, shops and cafes - the influx of people visiting Armidale for the Cold Chisel concert saw an economic boom for the region.
Not to be outdone, the Australian Orienteering Championships – which was held in the region from September 28 to October 6 – brought more than 1,000 competitors and organisers to the region.
The 2024 Guyra Trout Fest – a three-day event that celebrates the opening of the trout fishing season and showcases local Guyra attractions including Costa Tomato Farm tours, open gardens, vintage cars, markets and fishing clinics – was also deemed a success.
In recognition of their first gig in 1974, the Cold Chisel 50th Anniversary Tour kicked off in Armidale on the October long weekend and attendees – from as far away as the US and New Zealand – came together at Petersons winery for a truly memorable concert.
"Our region had an incredible October long weekend, with three major events drawing in visitors from across the region and beyond," said Armidale Regional Council Mayor Sam Coupland.
"The region's growing reputation for live music events, contributed to our ability to attract such a major event. There was such a buzz around the Cold Chisel concert and the connection with Armidale gave the event so much more meaning.
"Council was also instrumental in attracting the 2024 Australian Orienteering Championships to the area and it brought with it significant visitor activity. And once again, the annual Guyra Trout Festival also proved to be a big tourist drawcard for the region.
"I'm proud of how Council, local businesses and the broader community came together to make these events happen, and it's a fantastic demonstration of what we can achieve when we host events that put Armidale on the map."
The University of New England (UNE) opened up its residential colleges to help provide extra accommodation services over the October Long Weekend with many patrons sharing how they fulfilled childhood dreams and relived past student experiences.
Guyra also saw significant economic benefits over the long weekend with the influx of visitors and locals attending the annual Trout Festival.
"We had 30 vans camped at our place and were flat out the whole weekend," said Dean, owner Deano's Springwater Smoked Trout Farm.
