The Thirlmere Festival of Steam Street Parade Terms and Conditions

The following Terms and Conditions have been developed by Wollondilly Shire Council to ensure that all Thirlmere Festival of Steam Street Parade participants, and the general public in attendance, remain safe at all times. The Terms and Conditions should be read carefully by the applicant. By signing the Expression of Interest form, you are agreeing to comply with “The Thirlmere Festival of Steam Street Parade” Terms and Conditions.

Festival

• Wollondilly Shire Council and Transport Heritage NSW are committed to increasing the standard and visual spectacle of the Parade each year, to make this happen we rely on the participation and efforts of entrants to strive to enhance the overall look of the Parade each year. So whether you are on foot, in a vehicle or themed float we encourage you to be colourful, dress in uniform, or costume and ‘dress to impress’. 

Theme

• The Thirlmere Festival of Steam Parade theme for 2024 is ‘All Aboard for 2024'  Everyone can jump on board.

Parade Departure Time / Registrations Details

• The street parade will begin at 11am on Sunday 19 May 2024. Registration time and parade order allocation will be provided by the Street Parade Coordinator prior to the event.

Parade Position and Parking on the Day

• The Parade Coordinator will contact you prior to the event to advise of details.

During the Parade

• Consider carefully the risks of any activity you may be considering as part of your entry with the safety of everyone in mind.
• Slow walking pace, keeping a 10 metre gap between entries (please convey to your drivers)
• To reduce the risks of personal injury please do not throw objects in the crowd of spectators. 
• Do not spray water or other liquids on the spectators as damage may be caused to mobile phones and other personal electronic devices.
• Where possible, avoid using loud sirens, horns and whistles throughout the parade route, especially if animals are participating in the parade.
• Participants and bands should perform their repertoire for the entire length of the parade.
• All entries must keep in motion – DO NOT STOP unless by necessity or instruction from a parade coordinator.
• Make sure that structures, bunting, decorations and passengers on the float are safely secured.
• Children participating in the parade must be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult at all times. 
• Part of councils Sustainable events guidelines, balloons and confetti (including starch based confetti) are not permitted to be utilised in the parade.
• In the event of an emergency or safety hazard, please stop and await instructions from emergency services, assisted by Festival volunteers.
• Please keep yourself and others safe by following the instructions of the Parade Coordinator, Street Parade Coordinators and Traffic Coordinators at all times.
• And most of all have a fabulous time.

Vehicle Entries

• Vehicle height is limited to 4.6m, vehicle length is limited to 12.5m.
• Vehicle mass is limited to 8 tonnes.
• Dangerous driving in the Parade assembly area is not acceptable.

Moving Vehicles and Children

• Children are not to leave, be removed from or placed onto a vehicle while that vehicle is moving.
• Parade entrant coordinators are responsible for all children in their group until they are collected by a parent or guardian. No child is to be left unattended at the start or finishing location.

Other Vehicles

• Participants accept full responsibility for their own safety when taking part in the Parade and/or travelling in moving vehicles.

Vintage Car Displays

• The area on Barbour Road between Mason and Close Street will be marked out for those participants who would like to have their Vintage Cars on display.
• While due diligence will be taken, vehicle owners are responsible for the safety and security of their own Vehicle and should have appropriate insurances. Wollondilly Shire Council or Transport NSW cannot be held responsible for any damage or misadventure that may occur.

Insurance

• All participating organisations must have Public Liability Insurance
• Please ensure you attach a current certificate of insurance currency with your application.

Festival’s Traffic Warden

• A Traffic Warden will be present at the Parade assembly area. They will ensure the Terms and Conditions of the parade are met and Traffic Control procedures are adhered to.

Road Closures

• Road closures are in place between 6am and 5pm Sunday 19 May, 2024. Further information will be provided to successful applicants.

Drop off Zone

• To allow participants to disembark from floats/vehicles, a drop off zone will be provided in designated zones, parade participants will be directed to the appropriate zones to either drop people off, or exit the Parade.

Judging

• Prizes will be awarded to entries in six categories: Best Overall Entry, Best Vehicular Float, Best Choreographed Dance Routine, Best Costumes, Best Community Group, Best School entry. Judging will take place during the Parade and winners will be announced prior to 2pm on the day of the event.

Wollondilly Shire Council looks forward to celebrating the 2024 Thirlmere Festival of Steam with you.