Mr Ross was a surprise last-minute nomination for the seat of Calare at the forthcoming federal election.

His nomination as an independent was confirmed shortly after nominations closed yesterday.

It is the first attempt by Mr Ross to secure political representation at any level.

Mr Ross told the Lithgow Mercury yesterday afternoon that it had been a last-minute decision on his behalf.

“Well I had to have a tilt, didn’t I?” he said.

He said he would issue a statement next week informing the electorate of his reasons for standing and “who and what I am about”.

Mr Ross is best known in Lithgow as the founder of Ironfest, an annual two-day festival highlighted by medieval jousting contests and colonial battle re-enactments.

Ironfest began as a sidewalk promotion for metalwork craftsmen more than 12 years ago and is now a multifaceted NSW Flagship Event attracting thousands of visitors to Lithgow Showground each April.

His nomination means there are now six candidates for Calare - three independents, one National, one ALP and one Greens.