Food and Drink at the Australian Wooden Boat Festival

AWBF Food & Beverage Manager Kelvin Aldred says applications will be closing soon for food and beverage vendors at the February festival.  ‘We’ve got a fantastic crew of regular exhibitors and we’re delighted to have almost all of them back, but we’re hanging on to a few places for new and interesting products’, Kel said.  ‘It’s a huge site and there are so many things to see and do that we don’t want people to be too far away from something to eat and drink.’  Waterfront businesses like the Telegraph Hotel, Fish Frenzy and newcomer Frank will join dozens of Tasmanian chefs, winemakers, cider makers and brewers to make sure that a crowd of more than 200,000 people over four days are well looked after.  ‘We’re conscious that 40% of our audience are from overseas and interstate and they are certainly keen to try the best of Tasmanian food and drink, while they are here enjoying our beautiful wooden boats. It’s a great launch pad for new products and businesses.’

The Waterfront Tavern overlooking Kings Pier Marina was a hit at the 2015 festival, with non-stop entertainment on stage, special events and tastings.  It boasted a beer garden, superb food for lunchtime relaxing, late night suppers and a friendly, safe atmosphere for one and all.  Festival-goers visiting Princes Wharf One and the Children’s Village will be catered for with a new licensed area and more food vendors in the Forecourt and Franklin Wharf will offer still more choices.

‘We have to close off registrations on Monday 24 October, to allow us time to plan the site properly, but we’re hoping to see a few last-minute entries, especially from new vendors willing to have a go at the largest wooden boat festival in Australia,’ Kel says,  ‘But they’ll have to be quick..call the festival office on 6223 3375 to reserve a spot.’

Franklin Wharf, Australian Wooden Boat Festival