$200k leg up for Lost Trades Fair

BENDIGO’s much-admired festival of traditional crafts has received $200,000 in funding for next year’s event from the State Government’s $38 million Regional Events Fund.

The Lost Trades Fair was established in 2013 to celebrate craftsmanship, skilled manual work, ancient arts, heritage crafts, rare trades and knowledge passed down through the generations.

Past editions have showcased stonemasons, blacksmiths, leather workers, woodworkers, textile workers and decorative artists, plus live demonstrations of spoon carving, whip cracking, fly rod casting and ropemaking, plus hands-on activities for the kids.

In 2025 the Lost Trades – Heritage Edition will be held over three days with artisan presentations and panel discussions providing new insights into being a maker in the 21st century.

“The Lost Trades Fair has become much-loved on Bendigo’s massive events calendar, and this support will ensure it can continue to thrive,” said state member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards.

Grants of up to $500,000 are now open as part of the next round of the Regional Events Fund to help event organisers attract and grow events of international or national significance, while grants of up to $50,000 will be available for marketing and support of events that attract intrastate and interstate visitors.

Since 2016, the Fund has supported more than 350 events across regional Victoria.

This has included the Riverboats Music Festival on the Murray, Great Ocean Road Running Festival, ChillOut Festival in Daylesford and the Ballarat Marathon.

Applications for the Regional Events Fund can be submitted through the Visit Victoria website.