Dark NorFo lights up New Norfolk

Circle Street in New Norfolk was the hype of activity on Saturday night with inaugural hosting of Dark NorFo.

Based on Hobart's Winter Festival "Dark MoFo", Dark NorFo, is the brainchild of "Business Derwent Valley", a non for profit local organisation aiming to promote small business and tourism using community events and workshops.

When asked about bringing Dark NorFo to New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley, Business Derwent Valley President Rachel Power said "One of the strategic directions for us is to activate the region's night time economy". While a festival like this isn't new, this is the start of an annual event ,although last night we lost track of how many people were asking for it to be held monthly".

Rachel went on to say there were an estimated 5,000 people in attendance for Dark NorFo's first festival with food venues open in High Street also packed full of people. 

"This festival was pulled together in less than 2 months and we knew it would be a great night. To see the relaxed vibe and the young families and multiple generations all enjoying it together whilst supporting local small businesses, that is what made it a success for us".

"Many of our stall holders completely sold out, including Business Derwent Valley who were selling Dark NorFo merchandise"  
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When asked about future plans for the festival Rachel went on to say "I think we have proven our point and cemented the need for the festival to return next year and every year after that. The plan is to grow it down High Street from Circle Street to Arthur's Square and host it as a weekend long festival for the June long weekend ." 
 
Highlights of Dark NorFo included celebrating with the New Norfolk Distillery and manager Tarrant Derksen who had just stepped off the plane after winning the 2026 worlds best rum and best production team. Also celebrating with award winners Adam and Grace D'Arcy from Plenty Cider, one of Australia's best Cider makers.

New Norfolk High School's art installation called 'The Blank Canvas' was also a crowd pleaser with students talking about their future and the blank canvas waiting to be created. At the end of the night a huge canvas full of community hopes and dreams was also revealed.

Highlights were a plenty from just walking down High Street and seeing all the shop fronts lit up with red illuminating light with small businesses open and thriving.

Business Derwent Valley President Rachel went on to say" We're about to collect the feedback from vendors and businesses who were open last night. This will help to shape the festival's future and will also help to keep the focus on growing our local small businesses". 

Rachel finished by saying "Based on Saturday night, Dark NorFo is going to fast become the premier Winter festival for the region".