Tourism Noosa has announced an exciting evolution of the Noosa Food and Wine Festival with a name change for the 2020 Festival.
Introducing the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival!
Festival director Sheridah Puttick said organisers felt it was time to represent what the festival is about – “a true celebration of Australian eating and drinking”.
“Drinking wine for sure, but also drinking a myriad of other delicious things, many of which are distinctively home-grown,” Ms Puttick said.
“The Noosa Eat and Drink Festival better reflects Noosa with our range of breweries, craft distilleries and coffee roasters. Our new name is also a nod to what our unique Festival is about, lots of wonderful eating and drinking, all in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations – Noosa.
“For the first time last year, the top 10 drink sales at the Festival were made up of a bevy of beverages with sparkling wine, rose, ginger beer, gin, whisky and craft beer leading in the mix.
“We’re excited to be making the change and leading the way in our industry by representing the full spectrum of the world of drinks at the festival and the announcement of the name change has been welcomed by not only the beer, cider and spirits industries but also our local industry” said Ms Puttick.
Craig Masterton from Heads of Noosa Brewing Co commented: “We are looking forward to being involved in the 2020 Noosa Eat and Drink Festival and are really pleased with the name change. While many enjoy nice wines in Noosa, the name certainly better represents us as a brewery”.
John Scott Madill said: “The Noosa Food and Wine Festival has always been such an iconic event that is at the very core of what Noosa has to offer. Over the years it has attracted and hosted some of the most influential people in the industry to town and put our great town on an international stage. I feel the renaming of the event is a fantastic evolution that brings inclusivity to brewers, distillers, coffee roaster and the likes. There is no doubt that this wider offering will increase visitor numbers bringing more positive activity to the Noosa area. We can’t wait to be on the program”!
Ms Puttick said that to complement the exciting name change, the Festival Village moves from Lions Park to the Woods at the end of Hastings Street for the 2020 event.
“The Woods area is perfect to take the Festival Village to the next level with the opportunity to create more sub precincts and activations whilst showcasing the beautiful Noosa River.
The ground covering at the Woods was also a contributing factor as it is more resilient and will drain adequately should we experience rain fall pre or during the festival.
“The new look Festival Village will be completely different from past events but will combine Noosa’s favourite restaurants with local artisan producers, world-class chefs, the best in Australian wine and drinks, interactive masterclasses and live entertainment with lots more in the works,” said Ms Puttick.
Shane Bailey Executive Chef Noosa Boathouse and Beef Australia said: “Having been lucky to have been involved in the event since 2005 I have witnessed many changes and the evolution along the way. As always, I am looking forward to supporting and showcasing Queensland Regional produce, seafood and Great Australian Beef. Our Noosa Boathouse Thai inspired lunch will feature talented Queensland chefs Ben Bertie (Long-time/Same Same) Louis Tikaram (Stanley) and local chef and entrepreneur Nathan Nicole all of which I’ve had the pleasure of working with at the Noosa event over the years”.
Tourism Noosa chairman Drew Pearson said the festival had always led the way in Australia as the benchmark for a quality and innovative eating and drinking experience.
“We are pleased that we remain a leader in the delivery and display of what our industry can offer both our locals and visitors alike,” he said.
Joining the Festival in 2020 is some favourite Noosa restaurants, breweries and distilleries including Aromas, Boiling Pot, Cafe Le Monde, Embassy XO, Fortune Distillery, Locale, Heads of Noosa, Land & Sea, Noosa Beach House Peter Kuruvita, Noosa Boathouse, Pitchfork, Rickys, Sails, Season, Sum Yung Guys, Thomas Corner Eatery, View by Matt Golinski, Wasabi, Woodfire Grill, Zacharys and with more to sign on.
Festival-goers can expect a fabulous Festival Opening Party and never-to-be-repeated restaurant takeovers, alongside an action-packed four-day program that stretches from the beach to the Hinterland.The full program will be announced in December 2019 with tickets on sale at www.noosaeatdrink.com.au
