TASTE BUNDABERG FESTIVAL 2021 ON SALE NOW

Bundaberg is setting the table in preparation for the return of Taste Bundaberg Festival from 11 – 20 June 2021, the annual celebration of all things food and drink in the home of some of Australia’s biggest culinary brands.

The region’s agricultural and culinary industries didn’t miss a beat during 2020, continuing to grow 25% of Australia’s fresh produce and keeping glasses topped up around the world.

And now the little region feeding the nation is ready to party, with 10 days of unique culinary experiences plating up the freshest of dining delights in iconic locations around the region.

Highlights of the program, which have gone on sale today, Monday 29 March, include the Pop Up Polo, the inaugural Banquet on the Bridge, Festival favourite Chilli and Lime Fiesta at Riverfeast, the Festival Farmers Markets and the Farm Flavours Picnic.

Celebrity chef Poh Ling Yeow will bring fresh new eyes to the event, working with one of Bundaberg’s top restaurants to deliver a multicourse celebration of location food and drink across the first weekend and hosting cooking demonstrations.

Another culinary star attending will be Mark Olive (‘The Black Olive’), Australia’s illustrious Indigenous Chef, who with Bundaberg’s Joey Caruana will showcase authentic local cuisine at Bundaberg’s inaugural ‘Mon Repos First Nations Dinner’, an evening of culture, community and togetherness.

Major events will include:

Bundaberg’s Pop-Up-Polo - part of the largest polo circuit in the world, Urban Polo™, distinguished for presenting polo events in unique, regional and remote locations across Australia.  The action is closer, the catering premium and locally-led, and the glamour and excitement unsurpassed.  Guests will revel in the Polo Lounge, where players will mingle to the sounds of the DJ, or the all-inclusive Polo Club includes food and alcohol in the field-side marquee.

Farm Flavours Picnic – one of the Festival’s most popular events returns for another tasty year, set up under the shade of macadamia groves for the iconic Farm Flavours Picnic. Sample the very best in food and drinks made right here in the Bundaberg region, sharing a picnic basket for two while listening to the sounds of live music.  

Banquet on the Bridge - Take a step back in time with a unique dining experience on the iconic Burnett Traffic Bridge. The historical landmark will be covered in twinkling lights and the tastes of the region will be celebrated in high fashion with a multi-course meal with local drink pairings. 

Taste Farmers Market  - From the fields to the kitchen, the Bundaberg Region is Australia’s most prolific food bowl and the biggest annual farmers market will showcase the region’s passionate producers who spend their days growing the fresh ingredients found in cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets all over the nation. 

With over 20 events to choose from over the 10 days, plus cellar doors to explore, cafes and restaurants to work your way through, farm gates to discover and the Southern Great Barrier Reef on the doorstep, the Festival will be a highlight in Queensland’s events calendar.

Katherine Reid, CEO of Bundaberg Tourism, said “Bundaberg’s reputation as a foodie paradise is growing fast throughout Australia.  We live in one of Australia’s most prolific food bowls, growing 25% of Australia’s fresh produce, and are world-famous as the home of Queensland iconic flavours, such as Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks.”

“The appetite for regional events and travel is particularly high, as Australians seek to rediscover our incredible bucketlist destinations that travellers around the world save for years to come and experience.”

“Bundaberg has seen a surge in demand as Queensland and domestic travellers flocked to experience our holiday experiences and explore the Great Barrier Reef and mainland attractions we offer in such close proximity to Brisbane.”

“Bundaberg’s culinary icons are long established in the Australian psyche and the region has been attracting significant attention as an emerging culinary destination right on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.”

“The Festival will showcase our chefs, our producers and our wealth of leisure offerings to well-travelled foodies in the safety of a regional Australian community.”

Bundaberg Regional Council events portfolio spokesperson Cr John Learmonth said the 2021 Taste Bundaberg Festival will offer the biggest program yet.

“We have celebrity chefs featured throughout the program alongside a range of fabulous local chefs and producers.

“And of course, our popular free events are back including the Chilli and Lime Festival at Riverfeast and the farmers’ markets in Alexandra Park.

 “There is a wide range of events throughout the 10 days that celebrate the flavours of the region and highlight the diversity of the experiences on offer.”

The event is possible thanks to the partnership between Bundaberg Regional Council, Bundaberg Tourism, the regional tourism and culinary industries, as well as Bundaberg Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Events Queensland.

Taste Bundaberg Festival is supported by the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland and feature on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

**ENDS** 

ABOUT TASTE BUNDABERG FESTIVAL

Friday 11 – Sunday 20 June 2021
Bundaberg, Southern Great Barrier Reef
www.tastebundabergfestival.com.au

Held over ten tasty days, Taste Bundaberg Festival is an invitation to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, pile plates high and leave glasses empty. Come, take a seat at the great Bundaberg feast.

Taste Bundaberg Festival is a coming together of a passionate culinary community. Held over ten tasty days, it’s a showcase of authentic Bundabergian food and drink experiences from the farmer, distiller, brewer, grazier and fisherman; to the restauranteur, food stall, café and caterer; through to the table. Bundaberg is ripe for the picking, and our beautiful, warm, sunny, winter weather is hard to ignore.

It’s time to serve up a hearty helping of world-class deliciousness and distinct flavours found nowhere else. Bundappétit! 

For media information please contact: 

Katherine Reid
CEO, Bundaberg Tourism
0429 681 770
katherine.reid@bundabergregion.org 

Megan Dean
Communications Manager, Bundaberg Regional Council
07 4130 4269 
megan.dean@bundaberg.qld.gov.au 

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