NSW Arts Minister Virginia Judge said the festival, which has been held in Queensland since 1978, will inject $25 million into the NSW economy every year.

The Wintersun Festival is a 1950s and 60s nostalgia event that features rockabilly shows, hot rod car displays and dance competitions.

"When it comes to attracting events, complacency is not an option. The NSW Government is committed to being the world's number one major events host," Ms Judge said.

"The government, through Events NSW, has been working hard to secure the Wintersun Festival over the past 18 months.

"The deal has been struck for an initial three-year period with the option to extend for a further six years.

"Our agreement has been structured so the Wintersun Festival will be held in a different regional location every year to ensure the economic benefits are shared around the state.

"I am pleased to announce that Port Macquarie has been chosen to host the first festival in June next year because of its strong reputation as a tourism leader."

"The Wintersun festival is set to become a high value regional event exclusive to NSW."

For more get Wednesday's Port News