Campbelltown’s spookiest celebration is set for a spectacular return, with the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost marking its 70th anniversary with a special parade, drone shows and new events.
Running from Thursday 29 October to Sunday 8 November, this year also marks 200 years since the discovery of Fred Fisher’s body and the reported sighting of his ghost, the legend that became part of Campbelltown folklore.
“The Festival of Fisher’s Ghost is Campbelltown’s biggest annual celebration, bringing together a local legend that has existed for over two centuries with an exciting program of events that embrace the long history and community pride here in Campbelltown,” Mayor Darcy Lound said.
Anniversary highlights include the Fisher’s Ghost Parade, two Drone Shows, the new Fisher’s Cup sporting challenges and Footsteps of Fred, a self-guided trail through locations connected to the famous story.
The Fisher’s Ghost Carnival gets the celebrations underway at Campbelltown Showground on Thursday 29 October, bringing rides, sideshow games and food stalls through to Sunday 8 November.
Saturday 31 October will deliver the biggest program, with the parade travelling along Queen Street towards Mawson Park from 2pm, followed by Fisher’s Twilight Streets from 3pm and the Fisher’s Gig final from 4pm. A spectacular Drone Show at 8pm and carnival fireworks at 9pm will round out the night.
“I’m thrilled to see our anniversary events offer even more opportunities to get involved this year, with the Fisher’s Ghost Parade bringing together community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and organisations alongside exciting new ways to relive the history of Fisher’s Ghost,” Lound said.
On Sunday 1 November, Fisher’s Twilight Streets continues, while Fred’s Treat Trail invites children and families to dress up and collect treats from participating CBD businesses.
The following Saturday 7 November brings the inaugural Fisher’s Cup, Fisher’s Kids, a second Drone Show and another fireworks spectacular, before the popular Fisher’s Ghost Fun Run closes out the program on Sunday 8 November.
Throughout the 11 days, Footsteps of Fred will take visitors on a self-guided journey through locations connected to the legend, while Campbelltown Arts Centre will showcase finalists in the Fisher’s Ghost Art Award.
Fisher’s Twilight Streets is supported through a $350,000 NSW Government Open Streets Program grant over three years.
“Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. As this event highlights, we can use our streets to bring communities together and drive revenue for local businesses,” Transport Minister John Graham said.
With carnival thrills, street celebrations, sport, art, music, fireworks and ghostly history, Campbelltown is preparing to make its 70th year one to remember.
“I encourage everyone to join us for what is shaping up to be a significant anniversary milestone for our beloved annual event,” Lound said.
