Lismore has entered the new year on a high, with two summer events drawing thousands of visitors into town and delivering a timely boost for local businesses, accommodation providers, pubs and cafes during what can traditionally be a quieter period.

From the colour and energy of Tropical Fruits to the steady buzz created by the annual Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival, the city has once again shown its strength as a destination that brings people together.

Mayor Steve Krieg said it was fantastic to see so many visitors from outside the region supporting the city and embracing everything that we love about Lismore.

“A lot of our businesses traditionally have a quieter patch around this time, so having visitors come in and support the local economy is really important for our business community.”

Held annually at Lismore Showground, Tropical Fruits once again delivered big numbers, with around 1200 campers filling the grounds and party attendances reaching capacity.

(Photo credit: Brad Mustow)

Event Coordinator Guy Grey said the festival continues to attract a loyal following from across Australia and beyond.

“We had people travelling from all over the country, and even some international visitors who planned their holidays around the festival,” he said. “For many, it’s a real highlight of their year - some people were attending for the 20th time, others for the eighth or ninth.”

That influx was felt well beyond the festival gates. With accommodation booked out months in advance, visitors spilled into Lismore’s CBD, cafes, pubs and retail stores, as well as exploring the broader Northern Rivers.

“You can’t get a motel room in Lismore over that time,” Guy said. “People stay extra nights, they’re walking through town, heading out to cafes, day trips and waterfalls. There’s a huge tourism and economic impact, not just for Lismore but the wider region.”

The festival’s commitment to local suppliers also added to that benefit, with food, contractors, trades and services sourced almost entirely from Northern Rivers businesses.

Almost straight after the festival crowds moved on, the Lismore Under 12 Cricket Carnival brought a different but equally valuable wave of visitors. Teams travelled from Sydney, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Newcastle, Tamworth, Bathurst and the Hunter Valley, filling motels and keeping local venues busy each evening.

Mayor Krieg said the tournament has a proud history and plays an important role in Lismore’s sporting identity.

“This is the start of the journey for many young cricketers who go on to higher representative honours,” he said. “To get their grounding here in Lismore is exciting, and the quality of cricket is incredibly high for under 12s.”

He also acknowledged the work of council grounds staff, who prepared turf wickets, a rare opportunity for players at that age.

“It takes a lot of effort, but it’s very appreciated by visiting teams and families,” he said. “Events like this really highlight Lismore as a nursery for future sporting talent.”

As summer rolls on, the combined success of these events has reinforced what locals already know, when Lismore is busy, the whole community benefits.