Tim Whitaker is a member of the festival organising committee along with John Reynolds, Val Little and Claire Lupton, and is excited by the chance to reconnect the wider community with the site.

“It’s going to be more like a party than a market,” Mr Whitaker  said, as the harsh spring sun cut its way through damaged beams where the hospital roof once rested.

“People can come along and just kick back while the kids have a great time.”

Despite the fire damage, the space is a creative hub and home to a range of artists, as well as community radio station Edge FM.

The festival committee is aiming to make the space overlooking the rolling green hills of the Valley into a regional community and cultural centre - and is starting by giving the community a fun space to enjoy for one day in October.

On Sunday, October 25, the site will host live local music supported by Pirate Studios, coffee vans, arts and craft stalls, barbecues, a white elephant stall, food stalls, chocolate wheel, magic show and jumping castle with a giant slide.

It will also incorporate a display of the site's history, including photos and stories provided by locals capturing a bygone era. 

“There will also be a historical display with former nurses sharing stories of its time as a hospital, and the potters and artists who use the space will have their work on display” Mr Whitaker said.

Raising the $3million to renovate the roof has not been an easy task and the organisation is hoping to reconnect and build support within the community.

“All money raised will go to the hospital’s restoration process,” Mr Whitaker said.

“It’s a day of awareness and community involvement.”

Half a million dollars in funding has been promised by the state government, with possible federal government funding in the works if the community can get behind the cause.

“The Old Bega Hospital is the largest historic building in our region and belongs to us all,” he said.

The festival is supported by RD Miller Contractors, Bega Cheese and the Bega Valley Shire Council.