Wangaratta NYE offers big audience opportunity for local business

Published on 23 June 2026

Wangaratta’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is one of North East Victoria’s largest single-night events, bringing together around 10,000 residents and visitors in a high-energy, family-focused environment. In 2026, the future of this free event depends on local business support.

The Rural City of Wangaratta is seeking sponsorship to help deliver this year’s celebration. Without confirmed partnerships, the event will not be able to proceed in its current format.

Irene Grant, Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor:

“This is a much-loved community event that brings people together and creates a positive start to the year. Partnering with Council this New Year’s Eve is a chance to showcase your business while helping keep this important event for Wangaratta.

It’s also an opportunity to help create lasting memories for local families and visitors alike.”

Held at the Wangaratta Showgrounds, the event features a full evening of live entertainment, fireworks, children’s activities, and food vendors, creating a highly engaged audience and multiple opportunities for businesses to connect directly with families, locals, and visitors on one of the busiest nights of the year.

For businesses, this is a rare opportunity to reach a large and diverse audience in one place. From families spending time in the kids’ zone to visitors exploring food and entertainment, the event delivers strong visibility, repeat exposure and direct customer interaction throughout the night.

Matt Nelson, Rural City of Wangaratta CEO:

“Our New Year’s Eve celebration delivers strong benefits for local businesses and the broader economy. But an event of this scale can’t be delivered by Council alone. Without sponsorship support, it won’t be possible to deliver the event in its current form. This is a clear opportunity for local businesses to connect with a large, engaged audience while supporting a key regional event.”

Sponsorship will directly support key elements of the event, including entertainment, children’s activities, and essential infrastructure, while delivering measurable value for partners through brand exposure, on-site activation, and integrated marketing opportunities.

Partnership opportunities are designed to deliver both reach and impact. Platinum Partners receive premium main stage branding, placing their business at the centre of the event, while Major Partners can align with high-traffic areas such as the chill-out space, car showroom, or kids’ zone.

Partnering with Wangaratta New Year’s Eve is both a commercial opportunity and a chance to demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to the local community, supporting an event that drives visitation, local spending, and strong community connection.

Email events@wangaratta.vic.gov.au to discuss partnership opportunities, or find out more on Council’s website www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/sponsor-nye