ORGANISERS of the Derwent Valley Autumn Festival have made a call out to all who want to get involved in the iconic event which will be held again this year.

Stallholders, entertainers and not-for-profits are being invited to put forward an expression of interest.

To be held on Sunday, April 23 – after a three-year hiatus due to Covid – a group of local businesses and community groups have come together to ensure it will go ahead. This followed the previous committee’s decision to abandon plans for a 2023 festival and the disbanding of its committee.

Earlier this week, newly elected president of Derwent Valley Tourism Liz Virtue said the new committee’s vision was to make it an annual event and “Unquestionably Derwent Valley’’

The group also wants to increase Central Highlands involvement. Rotary New Norfolk has agreed to be the lead organisation of the event, with Lions Club of New Norfolk and the New Norfolk District Football Club also providing support.

The Derwent Valley Council agreed at its last meeting to provide financial and in-kind support for the Esplanade event.

“Our commitment to assisting Rotary to host the event this year is to source stallholders from the community and operators from our tourism group,’’ Ms Virtue said.

“We have been hard at work and have had an amazing response. “This is a call out to you all. Let us know if you would like to have a stall or space at this year’s festival.

“Once we have an expression of interest from you we will pass on your details to Rotary and they will provide you with more information and the application form.

“Sunday April 23 will be an awesome day to show off our wonderful Valley and the people who make it so.’’

Those wanting to be a part of the event are asked to contact Rotary New Norfolk.

In the past the festival has attracted between 10,000 and 15,000 locals and visitors the event each year.