Operator Trent Woodall said while they had been able to take some of their rides up to Sydney for the Royal Easter Show they hadn't taken them all.

"Because of COVID we can't take the risk," he said.

"We thought we'd trying doing a carnival over the Easter holidays because Warrnambool's pretty busy over that Easter weekend."

It's the first time the crew have come to Warrnambool for Easter and this time they are bringing a fireworks show with them on Sunday night from 8.30pm.

"We just wanted to try and have a small carnival," Mr Woodall said.

"It's good for Warrnambool."

After being hit hard by lockdowns and cancellations during 2020, Mr Woodall said summer in Warrnambool was "so good".

"It was one of the best summer carnivals we've ever had," he said.

"I think people really had an appetite to get out and do something, anything.

"Even people who don't normally go to the carnival went to the carnival."

He said the industry still faced a tough 2021 with a lot of events they would normally go to still not happening this year.

The city council cancelled its fireworks on New Year's Eve but the $22,000 it saved was put with $55,000 in grant money to fund new community events.

Applications for the Activate Warrnambool Grants are now open, with small to medium events able to apply for up to $5000 while large festivals and events can apply for up to $10,000.

Events can be held between May and November 2021, with the aim of encouraging more visitors to Warrnambool, increasing local spending and creating memorable experiences for locals.

Warrnambool mayor Vicki Jellie said the council was committed to supporting a broad calendar of events, especially during the quieter months of the year.

"Spending data shows that last summer was even busier than the one before, which is just what our local businesses needed after a devastating 2020 for so many," Cr Jellie said.

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"We still have Easter and the May Racing Carnival to come, but the off-peak time to follow will be really tough for a lot of businesses, especially with Federal support programs like JobKeeper coming to an end.

"As well as helping the local economy and attracting visitors, a diverse and vibrant events calendar is just as important for locals and the liveability of our city.

"If you've got an idea for a great new event for the city, and you've got the passion and the skills to make it happen, we want to hear from you.

"We saw with events last year like the Solstice Searching neon sculpture tour that a simple concept, executed well, can be very successful."

Applications close on Monday, April 19.

For more information, eligibility criteria, and to apply, visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/activate-warrnambool

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