Destination NSW came on board with the funding after the May 17 festival doubled its patronage last year with 5000 visitors.

Festival founder Harald Tietze said the NSW government had recognised the festival as a flagship event.

“We are on our way to making Batlow the cider capital of Australia,” he said.

Mr Tietze grew up in Bavaria where he said cider had always been popular.

He said the town needed a festival after the cannery went bust about a decade ago.

This year he has gone one step further and will give visitors a sample of the town’s own Bavarian sausage, aptly named Batwurst.

It is hoped by having products only available in Batlow, people will travel to the town.

The CiderFest will include cider tasting, food stalls, orchard-fresh apples, jumping castle and live entertainment including bagpipes.

There will be a dozen varieties of cider from six companies.

Mr Tietze said there would be activities for people of all ages.

“There will be food matched to cider and the kids can enjoy warm apple juice,” he said.

Batlow’s main street will be closed for the festival from 10am to 4pm.

An industry conference on May 16 will hear about production and marketing.