The Central Coast Council is proud to announce the inaugural Harvest Festival, being held on the June long weekend.
The festival aims to celebrate the fantastic and unique producers and local produce from across the Central Coast as the event will take run across the Somersby, Peats Ridge, Mangrove Mountain, Kulnura and Yarramalong areas. The region-wide event is a fresh initiative to promote the area’s unique agricultural heart and picturesque environment.
“This event is designed to encourage festival-goers to follow a specially designed trail, visiting local farms and event hubs – culminating in a major event on the final day,” explains Council’s Connected Communities Group Leader, Julie Vaughan.
The festival will consist of various free activities, entertainment as well as outdoor ticketed food. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy the local area and its surroundings, sit and converse with local farmers and enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful natural encironment surrounding them. The program will encourage attendees to visit multiple event sites with local produce for sale and opportunities for fruit picking, music, arts and a variety of other activities.
The Central Coast region is famous for the quality and volume of its agricultural produce, with overall agricultural production valued at over $150 million a year according to the New South Wales government, and this number will only increase with growing overseas demand. Developed with the input of local farmers, business and community groups, this unique experience seeks to boost tourism and increase the economic value of the area.
“The Harvest Festival is one way to activate these areas and showcase the potential they have to build community capacity and drive economic value of the area.
“The Harvest Festival is one way to activate these areas and showcase the potential they have to build community capacity and drive economic and tourism objectives,” says Council Administrator, Ian Reynolds.
“That’s why we are encouraging local goods businesses, farmers, markets, social entrepreneurs and innovators to get on board.”
Make sure you follow @thisisthecentralcoast on Instagram to receive further updates on the festival and read great stories about the Central Coast region.
WHAT’S ON
Tapas Tastes of the Harvest
What: Local tapas will be enjoyed at The Springs will all ingredients sourced locally, along with bush inspired cocktails like Botanica lemon myrtle martinis and Native Hibiscus Sours.
When: 11am-5pm, Saturday 10 June & Sunday 11 June
Where: The Springs
Address: 1080 Peat’s Ridge Road, Peats Ridge
Website: the-springs.com.au
Mangrove Yoga Farm
What: Pick your own vegetables and enjoy a tour of the Yoga Farm. Mangrove Yoga Farm operates as a community-supported agriculture. It represents a way for communities to farm together, for people to know where their food comes from and hot it is grown. Enjoy a yoga class followed by a vegetarian lunch from fresh produce picked locally from the Mangrove Yoga Farm.
Where: Mangrove Yoga Farm
Address: 119 Pembertons Hill Rd, Mangrove Mountain
Contact: Trudy Gray on (02) 4377 4407 or trudy@mangroveyoga.org
Website: mangroveyoga.org
Long Table Lunch
What: Join us for a sumptuous shared-table meal showcasing local produce platters with performance by local musician Toby Wells.
When: 12-4pm, Saturday 10 June
Where: Noonaweena
Address:1442 George Downes Drive, Kulnura
Contact: manager@noonaweena.con.au (Rod or Maureen Forsythe)
Website: noonaweena.com.au
Farm Barn Dance
What: Swing your partner round and round at this year’s Farm Barn Dance. This fun filled event will feature a live band with a caller, classic country cook up and slideshow alley stalls to keep you and the family entertained.
When: 5-10pm, Saturday 10 June
Where: Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventure
Address: 69 Cooks Road, Glenworth Valley
Contact: Lauren on 0413 181 270 or paperdaisieevents@gmail.com
Website: glenworth.com.au
Sublime Degustation Dining
What: Enjoy high culinary art and good company during your five course degustation menu with matching wines sourced locally from farmers.
When: 6-11pm, Sunday 11 June
Where: Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club
Address: 18 Hallards Road, Central Mangrove
Contact: Renee on 0428 774 119 or reneer84@gmail.com
Website: mmmclub.com.au
