In 2009, the number of people to come through the gate created a new crowd record; only to be eclipsed in 2010 when 30% more people attended.

A series of events rolled into one, Ironfest is extremely colourful and dramatic, full of the pageantry and theatre of our dynamic past; from the exotic to the absurd. 

To truly appreciate this fantastic event, you must come.

Administered by the Ironfest Inc Committee, a registered not for profit association, Ironfest is the biggest and most high profile NSW based annual arts festival held west of the Great Divide, growing at an annual rate in excess of 20% over the past 5 years. (See further on for a break down of where visitors come from.)

Ironfest’s primary goal is to attract visitors to the Lithgow Region, thus creating diverse & sustainable local economic activity. Secondary goals include providing a unique cultural experience for visitors to the area as well as for locals, and creating employment in the Arts.

Ironfest has been recognized as an event of state significance by Tourism NSW, and has been the recipient of triennial Regional Flagship Event funding for the past three years. Other major supporters of Ironfest include Delta Electricity and Lithgow City Council.

Visitors to Ironfest come from all around Australia and, increasingly, the World. The following is a percentage breakdown based on attendance in 2010.