A vibrant line-up of major events is set to light up the Augusta Margaret River region, with the Shire announcing the successful recipients of its 2025-26 Major Events Grants Program.
The program supports events of State or National significance that attract visitors, generate economic activity, engage the community and promote the region, from celebrated sporting events to unmissable arts festivals.More than $125,000 in financial support has been allocated to a diverse range of events across arts, culture, sports, food and wine.
Among the recipients is Lunar Circus, who will bring their iconic Big Top Tent to Gloucester Park Oval in January 2026. The two-week summer event will feature international performers, vibrant shows and community workshops, offering a fun, family-friendly circus experience in the heart of Margaret River. The team will return to host their much-loved Karnidale Circus Festival in Karridale the following year.
Festival Director Matt Yates said support from the Shire helped keep the circus experience accessible while bringing something truly unique to town.
“Bringing the Big Top to Margaret River is a great opportunity to share the magic of circus with people who may not have made it out to Karnidale, as well as our regular festival fans,” he said.
“Support from the Shire allows us to attract international performers to this beautiful part of the world and keep ticket prices family-friendly. It’s going to be a fabulous celebration of fun, outstanding skills, and community – and we can’t wait to share more details soon.”
Shire President Julia Meldrum said the Major Events Grants Program is a key part of Council’s strategy to support great events that increase tourism spending and deliver lasting benefits for the local community.
“We are proud to support events that bring people together and showcase the best of our region. These grants are an investment in our community’s future.”
“By backing events that are authentic to our region, we’re not just attracting visitors – we’re encouraging them to stay longer, spend locally and connect with what really makes our region so special.”
2025 – 26 Major Events Grant recipients include:
- Cabin Fever Festival – $18,000 per year for 3 years
- Cape to Cape MTB Stage Race – $18,000 for 1 year
- CinefestOZ Film Festival – $16,000 per year for 3 years
- Lunar Circus – $20,000 (Year 1), $15,000 (Years 2 & 3)
- Margaret River Region Open Studios (MRROS) – $20,000 per year for 3 years
- Toyota Australian Country Cricket Championships – $10,000 per year for 2 years
- WA Windsurfing Wave Classic – $12,000 for 1 year
- Rapid Ascent Ultramarathon – $9,591 (existing support)
Learn more about the Shire’s Major Events Grants Program.
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