Mayor of Lithgow City Council, Cassandra Coleman has expressed her sadness at the decision by the organisers of Ironfest to not hold the event in 2025. Mayor Coleman said "I am absolutely heartbroken to hear that the organisers of Ironfest have decided not to hold the event this year", Mayor Coleman also said that "Council has been actively working with Ironfest organisers to assist them to deliver the event this year, including providing $20,000 to the event through this year's budget. I have supported Ironfest for many years and know the attachment that many in the community have to this event.".
The arts and culture festival, which was re-formatted post Covid, proceeded for the first time in four years in 2024. Recognising that the organisers of Ironfest have often had difficultly making the event financially sustainable, Council had also budgeted $20,000 in sponsorship assistance to the event this financial year. Mayor Coleman also advised that "Although Councils $20,000 sponsorship offer was declined, Council will continue to work with the organisers of Ironfest with an aim to have the event delivered again in coming years".
Lithgow City Council is committed to establishing a vibrant and sustainable range of events across the LGA and is continuing to work with existing and new events organisers to achieve this with an Event Strategy being finalised.
