Committed to showcasing the finest quality produce and entertainment from across the North West and beyond, Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival is one of the region’s most established and reputable festivals.
Last year the festival enjoyed a record number of stall holders and visitors, and the 2017 event, to be held the Mother’s Day weekend Saturday, May 13, shows no signs of slowing down.
In a major coup, the committee is thrilled to announce Australian food icon Lyndey Milan OAM as this year’s celebrity guest, an initiative reflective of the calibre of the festival.
A familiar face on television and in print, Lyndey has found great success via her nine best-selling cookbooks, eight TV series and influence as former Food Director of the iconic Australian Women’s Weekly.
Lyndey was the 2016 Moree Australia Day ambassador, and was determined to return for Moree on a Plate.
“I was so impressed by the friendliness of the people in the region, which is just as important as the quality of its produce – people make a region and I am delighted to be coming back.”
Moree on a Plate President, Bethany Kelly said she was delighted to have Lyndey participate in this year’s festival.
“During her eight years as co-host of Fresh with The Australian Women’s Weekly on the Nine Network Australia, she regularly hosted such visiting chefs as Jamie Oliver, Rick Stein and Gordon Ramsay so to have Lyndey come to our festival is extremely humbling.”
Her most recent TV series Lyndey Milan’s Summer Baking Secrets is currently airing on LifeStyle FOOD, having premiered on Channel 7 earlier this year. This was followed with the launch of the Lyndey Milan Baking range.
Moree on a Plate originated 13 years ago by a group of dedicated local volunteers aiming to showcase the wonderful array of produce on offer in the region.
From humble beginnings at the Moree Racecourse, the event and has quietly grown into one of the region’s, and now State’s, signature events.
“The Moree district has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier producers of grains and cotton, a number of evolving industries, such as oranges, pecans and olives, have also cemented their place on the table in recent years,” Bethany explained.
Likewise, across the region – from Roy’s fresh garlic in Tamworth to The Conscious Farmer organic beef on the Liverpool Plains – Moree on a Plate successfully attracts the top producers from across the North West and South East Queensland, providing them a comprehensive platform to showcase and promote themselves in a relaxed and social setting.
The Festival has continued to evolve over the past decade, with a dedicated ‘Kids Korner”, celebrity chef cooking demonstrations and live musical entertainment adding to the relaxed festival setting.
“Moree on a Plate is so many things to so many people – it’s a farmers’ market, it’s a family day out, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing lunch in the Autumn sunshine and it’s a wonderful way to promote not only our marvellous producers but our lovely town of Moree.”
And with a $2 cover charge the committee is intent on ensuring the event is affordable and accessible for all.
“Increasingly we’re seeing more and more return visitors from across the region, from coastal areas and the ‘grey nomad’ community – Moree on a Plate has emerged as a tourist destination event, with the flow on effects for our town immense.”
Bethany also praised the local and surrounding community for its ongoing support of the festival, and said it was one of the most popular days on the Moree social calendar.
“It’s a wonderful day out for the whole family, the Moree May weather is generally stunning and it’s a beautiful opportunity to sit back, enjoy delicious food, live entertainment and relax with friends.”
Moree on a Plate will be held on Saturday, May 13 at The Moree Secondary College, Albert Street, Moree from 10am until 4pm. For further information for visitors or producers please see www.moreeonaplate.com.au
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