A new arts and cultural festival will transform the heritage heart of Forbes for one night only, thanks to a $108,550 grant to launch Street Dreams.

Councils across the region are sharing in $3.6 million of NSW Government funding under the Open Streets 2025-2028 program.

Street Dreams is in the planning for Saturday, 27 September and will transform Harold Street, Victoria Park and Town Hall with art installations and interactive light displays, Forbes Shire Council said.

It’s also designed to showcase the region’s talent, culture and imagination and there will be live performances

Forbes has a strong and proud history of hosting art events and festival and the council will be working with these committees to deliver a unique – completely funded – night of culture and fun.

Duty MLC for Bathurst, Stephen Lawrence, announced the funding, which is part of the government’s wider agenda to address cost of living and build communities across NSW.

“We live in the best state in the world – people deserve to get out and about in their own communities and have a good time in a cost-friendly way,” Mr Lawrence said.

“The last round of spectacular Open Streets events across NSW attracted over a million people – supporting local jobs, businesses and economies.

“I can’t wait to see our regional cities and towns activate this crucial funding to deliver free, safe and fun public spaces for their communities.”