THE Swan Hill Food and Wine Festival is back again this year over the Labour Day long weekend in March.
With events, entertainment, and of course, delicious food and drinks, it will be a celebration of the Swan Hill community’s offerings.
A record number of 40 vendors are to be scattered throughout the Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement, offering a variety of food and drink options including wine, cocktails, wood fired pizza and burrito bowls.
Swan Hill Incorporated Business Development Manager Stepehen Colombo is encouraging all those who plan to attend to purchase their tickets prior to the festival.
“We are trying to push the pre-ticket sales as it helps for a smoother entry into the event,” he said.
“With the rising cost of living, many people have less money to spend on events, but the festival needs support so that it can continue running into the future.”
There will be a unique QR code associated with purchased tickets that will be scanned on arrival to enter the event.
The long weekend will kick off on Friday March 7 with a twilight cruise aboard the paddle steamer Pyap along the Murray River.
The two-hour cruise starts from 6.45pm until 9pm and will follow the stream to the Murray Downs homestead then follow back around to the dock.
Attendees onboard the experience will be treated to award winning wines by Andrew Peace, fresh food catered by The Port and live music by The Voice contestant Elias Lanyon
Mr Colombo said the cruise had already received a favourable response from the community.
“The Pyap cruise has just about sold out of tickets already,” he said.
“But depending on if the river level goes up there may be more tickets available to those who might have missed out the first time.”
The festival will continue on Saturday March 8, with gates opening at 11am.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the settlement grounds and admire the idyllic scenery of the riverbank, while exploring the many diverse food and drink stalls on offer.
Live music by Scoogs, Drowning Sorrow, Seven Car Pileup, Elias Lanyon, and Madi Colville Walker will set tone throughout the day followed by the headline act with Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Noll.
“We are very excited to have Shannon Noll perform as our headliner this year as he is an Australian music icon who can still command the stage the way he could 20 years ago,” Mr Colombo said.
“He is a well-established performer, so he knows how to connect with a crowd and is relatable to the age demographic for the festival.”
Alongside the entertainment, Mr Colombo said there will also be a variety of activities for all those who attend on the day.
“There will be free face painting for kids from 11am until 2pm as well as everything the Pioneer settlement has to offer such as the photo parlour, souvenir shop, paragon cafe, the lolly shop and making your own wanted poster,” he said.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
To purchase tickets, visit www.swanhillfoodandwine.com.au where you can select from the cruise, the Saturday event or produce and design market.
