Bell St Fiesta
Subscribe
X

Subscribe to Forte Magazine

Bell St Fiesta

The weather’s warming up and there’s simply no better time to be outside enjoying it. The Bell St Fiesta is one place where you can do just that, and all for a great price. Forte had a chat to the team about where the idea came from and how you can get involved.
What was the motivation behind creating the event?
There are a few different events in the Surf Coast Shire, and many in Geelong, but we had very little in Torquay. A town that has some fabulous restaurants and eateries, surrounded by wineries and breweries, many artists and the space to hold events. Our focus is also to keep it local using and sourcing only local businesses, stalls, artists, performers & musicians to make sure we help and support our economic growth. People in this region often travel to Melbourne and outer regions to attend long lunches, appreciation classes or festivals. We want to make a mark and show that it can be done here on the coast too, and for half the price!
3_340Can you tell us a bit about the Drink Arts Food Torquay?
After the successful launch of the first Bell Street Fiesta in May 2012, the organisers looked at better ways the event could support not only Bell Street but also the rest of Torquay & the Surf Coast. Although Torquay is known for its surf culture we also have a love of good food and coffee while boosting a range of artists, wineries and boutique breweries. Hence in 2013 Drink Arts Food Torquay (DAFT) was born.
DAFT is on the weekend of 10th – 12th of October. The event will now be focused as a weekend long festival that promotes all things local; from Produce, Beverages (wine, beer, cider, coffee), Artists, Bands and Businesses
The event is now approaching its third year, what is it about the fiesta that has it sticking around?
As a not for profit event we aren’t about chasing the dollars. It’s about providing the best quality event for the kids, youth and adults, and for them to enjoy a day that wont break the bank. The event is $2 entry. We keep adding to the fiesta, we recently added the Ramp Jam Skate Park, which is a massive draw card as it brings a range of all ages into the fiesta to free style while bands and DJ’s are playing in the background. Also being able to host 10 bands with two stages allows people to enjoy a Sunday session with friends as they sit back and sip on some local beverages. Most of all, I cant forget the sponsors and volunteers who really make this event possible!
1_127You’ve also got a lot of activities for children tell us more…
Family day of the Bell Street Fiesta is on Sunday 12th Oct from 11am – 5pm, so you can bring your kids down and let them have a great day too. Our Kids Zone is an area just for them and will include: jumping castles, balloon animals, giant games, arts and craft & performances. They can also bring their skate equipment down and try out the skate park.
Tell us about your line up of bands?
On the main stage, which is in Bell Street, we have; The Bite, Test Pilot Molly, The Kite Machine & Mad House. In the Skate Park we have a stage made of crates that will host; My old Dutch, Squid, The Dipsticks, Macondo Blowout and DJ RJMC Live. The different styles in music is really going to make this street come alive!
Thanks again for taking the time out to talk to us, is there anything you’d like to add before we finish up?
We would love to see people coming along and check out this event. We aren’t going anywhere and will only grow. Remember to get your tickets online for the appreciation classes and long lunch.
We have an offer for all Forte readers – For all tables of 10 booked for the long lunch receive FREE Beats Bus tickets to kick on and enjoy the live bands on Saturday night.
When&Where: Bell St, Torquay – October 10-12