Last night in Newcastle, a mouth-watering program for the fourth rendition this April of Newcastle Food Month, was revealed.
The 2024 Program was unveiled at the festival’s Hotel Partner, the Cyrstalbrook Kingsley Hotel at a special media launch with more than 25 media from Sydney and the local area in attendance as well as Newcastle Food Month Ambassador, 106.9’s Jess Farchione, Newcastle’s Deputy Mayor Cr. Declan Clausen, supporters and sponsors. It was confirmed that the 2024 program has the greatest number of events and restaurants participating in the festival’s four-year history. 75 events in total form this year’s biggest ever program.
On track to become New South Wales’s most loved food festival, event owners Louise & Gus Maher assured the crowd that the month-long program, packed with dining experiences and offers, is well on its way to achieving their dream after just four years in the making.
“We’re particularly thrilled at just how many businesses are participating in this year’s event and that gives us great pleasure in knowing that what started out as our little regional festival now touches more than 100 local businesses significantly impacting the local Visitor Economy. It’s a great way to keep the Newcastle hospitality industry alive and in the hearts and minds of foodies, locals and visitors alike.”
The Program’s Signature Event - Le Diner En Blanc the posh pop-up picnic originating in Paris in 1988, which also celebrates its fourth incarnation on local soil, has been announced and tickets are now on sale for Saturday 6 April at a secret location.
It’s anticipated that more than 1000 guests will don their all-white attire for an evening in a secret location with live music, world class catering, local wines and of course le champagne!
With more than a record 40 Featured Events filling the month-long program, organisers jested that rather than tightening your belts, it’s probably wise to loosen them this April.
“The real game changer this April is the depth and breadth of the program – it is without doubt the biggest and most diverse in our 4 years. There’s a real sense of regionality evident, with local restaurants partnering with local winemakers and local growers to bring hyper local food and wine to the city. There are also so many new players in town and we are thrilled to have them participating in this year’s programc” commented event organiser Louise Maher.
This year’s program includes everything from Australian Indigenous inspired lunches and dinner, Japanese to Nepalese, Italian and French; crumpets and high teas, Mexcian and Mez, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, Italian galore and gumbo to explore! All the events in the program are now on sale via the festival website newcastlefoodmonth.com.au or by booking directly with the participating venues.
Almost 50 restaurants will be plating up a super special dish for the month with a matching beverage, this year’s Plate Date is a month worth of grazing made easy. A wide range of Newcastle’s eclectic cafes, restaurants and pubs, will be putting up a brunch, lunch or dinner, including a beverage for just $30. How many will you fit in this April? The 50 something venues each offering multiple breakfast lunch and dinner sittings, together mean that there are more than 3,000 opportunities to dine on a Plate Date this April!
