The upcoming Sustainable Hook & Vine Festival in Torquay will be the first ever sustainable seafood festival in Australia and looks to become a permanent fixture on our summer time calendars.
Hook & Vine will showcase a number of local restaurants with pop up kitchens focusing on sustainably caught seafood. It is presented by Coastal Event Management and proudly supported by Whitford Torquay. Forte spoke with director Vicki Penrice, about how the festival came about.
“The idea was a discussion late one night and was just said initially as a pipe dream. The idea of the festival was to host a seafood and wine festival on the surf coast as there is nothing like it in our region,” Vicki said.
Torquay has a strong emphasis on sustainability and supporting local businesses. The event will prove to be the biggest gastronomical gathering of seafood, wine and music ever held on the Surf Coast. Patrons are encouraged to bring along picnic blankets and camping chairs for a big day of food, wine and entertainment.
This event will benefit and stimulate the local community and highlight that the Surf Coast region has gastronomical and surf appeal.
“Almost two years has gone into the planning and building of the event. We hope for the festival to become an iconic event for the region,” she said.
Celebrity Chef Guy Grossi will be the ambassador for the festival and a big highlight of the event. Also making an appearance is local celebrity and reality personality Dale Vine (The Block, Getaway, Postcards & Man Space) who is bound to keep the crowds entertained.
Performing artists include former Voice contestants and local musicians Imogen Brough and Michael Stangel, Geelong up-and-comers, Where’s Joss, acoustic duo, OXYGUM, Aria Award winner and teenage superstar, Frank Dixon, Rockstar will play all your favourite ’80s tunes while Madhouse will bring the big band to top off the day.
Local restaurants will have pop up kitchens with a selection of “grab” food on offer focusing on sustainable seafood and produce. Brew houses and wineries will also join in the fun with themed and interactive stalls surrounding the perimeter of the arena. This Festival won’t just be another market, the point of difference will be exceptional quality food and experiences. It’s a family oriented event with unlimited access to the Kid’s Zone and live music all day, all of which is enclosed in a secure gated arena.
The event will take place on Saturday February 28 at the start of the Great Ocean Road on the Torquay Common with an arena picnic style atmosphere. Tickets include a wine tasting pass, festival wine glass, bottle of water, festival passport coupon booklet for local retailers, entertainment all day and access to the kids zone.
When&Where: Torquay Common – February 28
SPECIAL TICKET OFFER FOR FORTE READERS 25% OFF!
Valid until February 27
Gate price adult tickets are $35
* Limited entry
* Avoid queues on the day
* Pre-buy tickets and take advantage of this special offer.
** Buy tickets online www.hookandvine.com.au and enter the code word “Forte2015” when booking through TRYBOOKING for tickets.
Imogen Brough & Band (4pce) 11:15am -12pm
Where’s Joss? (Trio) 12:15pm – 1pm
OXYGUM (Duo) 1:15pm – 2pm
Frank Dixon (Aria award winner 2014) 2:15pm – 3pm
Michael Stangel & 3 pce band 3:15pm – 4pm
ROCKSTAR (’80s covers) 4:15pm – 5pm
Madhouse (8pce) 5:15pm – 6pm
[photos by barnabyandwilson.com]