Three Limestone Coast events will receive a boost thanks to the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Event Fund.


The Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations Wine Festival (October 1-20), Port MacDonnell Bay Festival (February 22) and Fringe Mount Gambier (March/April) were among 37 regional events and festivals across South Australia to receive a financial boost.


The Regional Event Fund supports the development of new and innovative regional events and grow existing events, while driving visitation and economic stimulus across regional South Australia.


The 2024-25 Fund supports events that are staged from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.


The new Port MacDonnell Bay Festival to be held in February 2025 will showcase the unique cultural, natural and historic assets of its unspoiled coastal destination.


Last held in 2020 as the Bay Escape, the refreshed festival format aims to appeal to a broader audience both intra and interstate, with events on offer to include culinary experiences, immersive Aboriginal cultural experiences, and a citizen-science meets art project.


Port MacDonnell Bay Festival spokesman Stephen Johnstone said the festival would be an exciting opportunity for local businesses to come together to celebrate Port MacDonnell with thousands of festivalgoers.


“After a five-year hiatus, the reimagined festival will benefit from the Regional Event Fund support, allowing us to spread the word far and wide, enticing people to discover what makes Port MacDonnell such a special destination,” he said.


“We want the Bay Festival to grow year on year and gain national and international attention for Port MacDonnell as a world-class nature and sustainable tourism destination.”