Unlike cold climate countries with residents who hibernate through the winter months, Australians have no issue getting outdoors and reveling in the cooler temperatures.

So it's no wonder communities like Gloucester look at this as a great time of year to open up its main street and invite people from far and wide to come out and have a good time.

Like any community business chamber, Gloucester wanted to build up its tourism and boost its economy during the typically slower months, and so the concept of a winter festival was born.

In the year 2000, the Gloucester Business Chamber kicked of its first winter street festival, 'Snowfest', which embraced the concept wholeheartedly, even trucking actual snow up from Perisher. The festival ran for three years before undertaking a slight revamp, turning into what it's known as today, Chill Out - Gloucester's Winter Festival.

Understanding the importance of constantly looking for better ways to attract people to the town, the committee has actively sought ways to improve and expand the festival.

Over the years, the committee has learned that food and music seem to attract a lot of attendees, so last year the market stalls were increased, as was the variety of music and the number of venues.

Historically taking place annually on a Saturday in late July, this year's festival has expanded not only in size but in days, running on both Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. According to chamber president, James Hooke extending the event across two days will make to the journey to Gloucester even more worthwhile and hopefully will encourage a few more overnight guests.

Along with the traditional Saturday daytime street festival filled with market and food stalls, and the infamous 'Show'n'Shine' vintage car show, the evening is expected to hold its own with entertainment. The 'Aussie Night Markets' will be set up to provide more food and fun after the sun goes down, along with the Australian iconic band, Mental As Anything setting up to play an evening gig.

Sunday will be a little more relaxed on the ground, with a range of tours on offer for people to explore some of the region's wineries and farm gates, however the skies will be a hive of activity with a fly-in fly-out planned to take place at the Gloucester Aero Club.

For more information, visit www.gloucesterchamber.com.au