SWAN Hill will take centre stage this weekend when Swan Hill Incorporated hosts the annual Food and Wine Festival.
With the main event returning to the Pioneer Settlement on Saturday, visitors this year will also have the chance to venture all about town across the weekend.
Swan Hill Inc business development manager Stephen Colombo said preparations were in place for a full festival of flavours and fun across three days.
“We are offering a similar format event to what regulars have come to know and love, but this year we have a range of new food and drink items on offer and a jam packed entertainment line up,” he said.
“The weekend will kick off with the popular river cruise aboard the Pyap on Friday evening where guests can enjoy food and wine while taking in the spectacular views of the river and mallee sunset.
“Saturday’s festival will offer a large variety of food and beverage offerings, with all the best produce from the heart of Australia’s food bowl.
“There will be a range of craft beer, wine, cider, non alcoholic drinks and food options.
“We will have two stages set up with a variety of musical performances scheduled throughout the day.”
Headlining the entertainment this year is Aussie rocker Shannon Noll, who is a hit with audiences of all ages.
Other acts include local bands Drowning Sorrows, Seven Car Pileup, Scoogs, Madi Colville Walker and Elias Lanyon.
Entertainment kicks off at 11.30am and runs until 5.45pm, with Noll taking the stage at 4pm.
The popular grape stomp activity is back where visitors can get there toes into the action with traditional grape stomping techniques.
Activities for the kids include face painting from 11am to 2pm.
Saturday’s event starts at 11am and cost is $55 per person and $20 for children aged 5-17, who must be accompanied by an adult.
On Sunday, visitors can enjoy a showcase of the region’s best in-season offerings at the Produce & Design Market.
Mr Colombo said Riverside Park would come to life for this event, with a host of items and activities on offer.
“The market will be home to the tastiest, crunchiest and juiciest produce from across the region,” he said.
“From the heart of Australia’s food bowl to your dinner table, this event is an absolute delight for the senses and home to the most authentic produce currently in season.
“There will be hot food and drinks, barbecue and mini pancakes to kickstart your Sunday.
“There’s also a range of wines, home-made crafts, cakes and preserves and a variety of plants on sale.”
The market will run between 9am and 1pm and entry fee is a gold coin donation.
Sunday afternoon introduces a new event to the Food and Wine Festival giving visitors a chance to sample some of Swan Hill’s finest dining options by following a culinary trail.
Swan Hill Dine and Find is a culinary adventure where guests can travel between eateries via foot or bus using a specially prepared map of participating outlets.
Each venue will offer a selection of food and beverage options to entertain the tastebuds while musical performances will set the atmosphere for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
“This is a chance to experience Swan Hill’s food scene within each venue’s own environment,” Mr Colombo said.
“It’s a great way to showcase the wonderful talents of our local chefs and experience the service and atmosphere of each unique venue.”
The Dine and Find event will operate between noon and 5pm and while the event is free, bookings are required for catering purposes.
To find out more or to make ticket selections for each event, visit www.swanhillfoodandwine.com.au
