Last weekend’s inaugural Tweed Foodie Fest has been declared an outstanding success with the four days of food-related events attracting enthusiastic crowds.
‘The highlight of the festival was most definitely Foodie Friday at the Murwillumbah Showgrounds,’ said festival organiser Kerry Turner.
‘The event attracted over 1000 people – more than half of them taking up the option of pre-booked tables that they decorated in fine style with hundreds more bringing along picnic blankets and tables to enjoy the event.
‘We had 21 food traders selling tasting plates of everything from Indian curries, Moroccan lamb cutlets and Asian delicacies through to gourmet salads and sweet treats.
‘Their offerings represented a fantastic cross-section of the quality dining experiences now available in the Tweed and really showcased our range of local produce.
‘The fact that we were blessed with absolutely perfect weather was the icing on the cake.’
Other events over the weekend were equally well received, she said.
‘Our first event on Thursday night really set the scene with our food documentary – Ingredients – drawing a full house to Murwillumbah’s art deco Regent Theatre
‘We also had over a hundred people travelling out and around the Valley for our on-site farm tours on Friday and Sunday, and good attendance at most of the weekend cooking classes.
Kerry hopes the Tweed Foodie Fest will become a regular feature of the northern NSW event calendar but admits that more support is needed from the business community.
‘This event has enormous potential to put the Tweed on the map as a serious foodie destination, as well as promoting our farmers, providores and restaurants to the local population.
‘Now that we have demonstrated how successful the Tweed Foodie Fest can be, we will be looking for more substantial sponsorship and support in order to make it a regular annual event.’
