The countdown is on to Campbelltown’s world famous Festival of Fisher’s Ghost – which turns 70 this year.
It is set to be one of the biggest festivals of all time: from October 29 to November 8 locals can expect to enjoy an expanded program of community events that will also be a celebration of the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Fred Fisher’s body and reported ghost sighting.
This year’s program will feature traditional favourites and plenty of special, one off events as part of the 70th and 200th anniversary celebrations.
They include Fisher’s Cup, the Footsteps of Fred self-guided walking tour, and a Drone Show, in addition to a special Fisher’s Ghost Parade that pays homage to the great parades of the past when half the population of Campbelltown would go watch.
“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,” says Mayor Darcy Lound, pictured below in the main street with the familiar festival mascot.
“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,” Mayor Lound said.
“I encourage everyone to join us for what is shaping up to be a significant anniversary milestone for our beloved annual event,” he said.
Fisher’s Twilight Streets is funded over three years through a $350,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Open Streets Program 2025-28, led by Transport for NSW.
“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,” says NSW minister for Transport John Graham.
“Since coming to office the Minns Labor Government has been working hard to bring more fun back to Sydney after a decade of lockouts, lockdowns and overregulation,” Mr Graham said.
“Cutting red tape and supporting these 240 events across NSW, like Fisher’s Twilight Streets, are a key part of that agenda,” he said.
This year, the festival fun kicks off on Thursday, October 29 with the opening night of the iconic Fisher’s Ghost Carnival at Campbelltown Showground.
The carnival will feature amusement rides, sideshow games, and food stalls until Sunday, November 8, with fireworks displays at 9pm on Saturday, October 31 and Saturday, November 7.
The Fisher’s Ghost Parade will be held on Saturday, October 31 from 2pm, and will feature community-designed floats, vehicles and walking groups travelling through Queen Street towards Mawson Park.
Fisher’s Twilight Streets will then get under way at Mawson Park and across Queen Street, Lithgow Street and Cordeaux Street in Campbelltown from 3pm, featuring market stalls, roving performers, live entertainment and kids’ activities on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.
Music lovers are encouraged to vote for their favourite performers at the centre stage on Saturday night, as shortlisted local bands and musicians compete in the final round of Fisher’s Gig from 4pm.
