The festival has been listed as a finalist in the major festival and event category of the 2017 state awards with the winner to be crowned at a gala event in mid-November.

But it’s not the only major event on the regional calendar to receive state-wide recognition either, with the Glen Innes Celtic Festival held each year in May is also among the leaders of the field in the festival and events awards category.

Managed by NSW Business Chamber Tourism Division and supported by the NSW Government via Destination NSW, the NSW Tourism Awards celebrate and acknowledge tourism businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement throughout the year.

Joe Townsend, regional manager of the NSW Business Chamber said he was pleased to see some premier local events in the running  for major awards this year.

“Success in the Tourism Awards doesn’t depend on whether an operator is big or small,” he said.

“It depends on their vision, achieving their business goals and, as a result, the excellent way their tourism product or service is finally delivered. Congratulations to all the finalists for articulating their business and story so well.

“This year’s finalists should feel incredibly proud to be named as New South Wales leading tourism operators for 2017”

Tourism minister and member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the awards promoted high-quality products and “world class experiences.”

The winners from the NSW categories will then represent the state at the national tourism awards on Friday, February 23.