Lost Lanes is micro-festival that promises to shine a light on a forgotten part of the city and the owner of Knights Meats & Deli, Deanna McNaughton, said the store are opening its doors for the special occasion. 

Originally the site of The Golden Fleece Hotel in the 1880s, the iconic Knights Meats building has an intriguing history of bawdy female hoteliers, a secret underground cellar and a business ruined by the Suez Canal Crisis. 

Ms McNaughton says most of the history has been provided by the previous owner, Michael Knight.

“Michael has shared with us his knowledge of the building since it was first constructed by T Lawrence and Son in 1949,” she said. 

“The site has always been in involved in the meat trade and it’s not hard to imagine just how much has changed over the past 70 years.”

Tours through the building will be led by local acting identity Tony Trench, who will explain the rich history and provide a behind-the-scenes look at the business.

“Hearing the history of the site will bring back a lot for some long-term Wagga residents and we look forward to learn of other stories and memories of the building,” he said. 

“There’s always the possibility of the alleged resident ghost making an appearance.”

Ms McNaughton said while she herself has never spotted the ghost, a lot of the employees have noticed odd events. 

“My staff don’t like being there at night by themselves,” she said.

“Stuff will suddenly move or it won’t be in its place and we’ll say the gremlin or the ghost is here.” 

The tours will operate throughout Saturday as part of the Lost Lanes Festival and entry is by gold coin donation with proceeds to Mia’s Big Adventure.

The murals are located on the river-facing side of Thirsty Crow, new business Cadell Place, Knights Meats & Deli and the north-facing wall of the Prince of Wales.

Council’s visitor economy and events co-ordinator Fiona Hamilton said Lost Lanes is a great reason to celebrate, rather than hibernate, this winter. 

“There will be warm open fires, roving performers, live local music and delicious food and beverage options, all set on the backdrop of the new murals along Cadell Place,” she said. 

“There’s everything from warm soups, hot chocolate and coffee, cheese-wheel pasta, festival beers, melted brie on bread, meats that melt in your mouth, hot bombolini, smores mulled wine, delicious pide, warm cider, espresso martinis and more.” 

Need to know more about things to do in Wagga? Check out the latest here: What’s On