PLANS for the third Dungog Festival are well underway and things are looking promising that this year’s event will secure Dungog its place on the destination map.
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The festival will feature all the usual, and much loved, events, plus some new ones.
“Film will always play a significant part of our festival, we just wanted to broaden it so it wasn’t just focused on film,” festival managing director Tracy Norman said.
“Although this year we have a short film competition (The Australian Short Film Makers Competition) that’s worth $30,000 in the prize pool, $30,000 cash.
“But food also plays an important part.”
The very popular Thursday night opener the Long Table Dinner is back, and with only 304 seats foodies are advised to book early.
Friday night will see market stalls, music and family oriented activities.
This year renowned chef, television identity, author and food writer Christine Manfield will visit to create a “wine matches lunch” event, which will involve a lunch for 300 served on the Saturday.
The Enormous Horns, known for their musicianship and love of partying, will perform on the same evening.
Sunday’s mystery lunch will be on again, at yet another “beautiful” but undisclosed location.
“There will be workshops, blacksmithing, street performances, food workshops, art workshops, it’s a pretty jam packed weekend,” Ms Norman said.
“We are trying to put Dungog on the map, a positive thing for Dungog, and very much about showcasing Dungog,” Ms Norman said.
The festival will be using as much local produce as possible. Dungog grown pork, beef and lamb will be incorporated into the menus of the three main food events, as well as locally grown fruit and vegetables.
Ticket sales last year increased by one third on the inaugural event and Ms Norman said it was likely to be bigger again this year.
“We are hoping to attract about 3000 overnight visitors,” she said.
Ms Norman said the success of previous events could be attributed to the locals getting behind the festival. The festival will be held from October 27 to October 30.
Visit the website as the festival takes shape: dungogfestival.com.au
