Taste the magic of Moreton Bay at Food + Wine Festival

He’s seen impressive sights all over the world, but the scale of the Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival took Manu Feildel’s breath away when he arrived for the first day of the event today.

“I am so pleased to be here - I’m surprised how big this festival is and I love the way it’s been organised,” Manu said.

“The demonstrations, the tents, the local produce and ingredients are wonderful.

“It’s not only sharing recipes and tips and local produce, it’s also catching up with other chefs.”

Manu will be giving two demonstrations each day of the festival and he’s thrilled to be using Moreton Bay Bugs.

“I’m a big seafood kind of guy – when I was working as a chef in London, we used to use Australian seafood.”

Loads to explore

There are six different precincts to experience, makers’ masterclasses, fireworks and more at the festival, which runs until Sunday at Woody Point’s Apex Park.

There’s also seaside pop-up bars, local produce, live entertainment and fireworks on Friday and Saturday at 8pm.

Joining Manu with demonstrations on the Kitchen Stage are Miguel Maestre (today only), Festival ambassador Alastair McLeod, Dominique Rizzo, Georgia Barnes and Kim McCosker.

Adriano Zumbo, Alastair, Dominique and Pearly Sprinkles will be sharing their secrets on the Sweets and Treats Stage. 

Six weeks of foodie heaven

Alastair said this weekend’s festival marked the beginning of six weeks of culinary celebrations as part of the Tastes of Moreton Bay Feastival.

“It’s just three days of a six-week-long love letter to the region.

“It’s people coming together and gathering and having foods and beverages – it’s magical.

“The produce we have here in the region is without equal.”

Cook and nutritionist Georgia Barnes said there was much to celebrate as the festival returned.

“If definitely is a special event – it’s got the best that South East Queensland has to offer in an amazing location.”

Moreton Bay Food +Wine Festival is delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT), with the support of key strategic partner, Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Great for community

MBRIT tourism and investment general manager Oriana Wyrozebska said the festival would be a big boost for the region’s economy.

“Tourism and sport have been identified as economic drivers by our (festival) parent Moreton Bay Regional Council,” she said.

“We’re so excited to be bringing visitors back into the region.”

Moreton Bay Regional Council Mayor Peter Flannery said the event was a boost for the community, the economy, local producers and the seafood industry and he was looking forward to exploring the precinct.

“I’m looking forward to tasting all the food and wines – but I won’t be driving!”

Explore the precincts

The Kitchen (presented by USC) is where you can watch some of Australia’s biggest names in the culinary world in action on stage.

The Market Place is where you can sample fresh specialties, meet and hear from artesian producers and stock up on homemade and homegrown goodies.

Brewfest Moreton Bay (presented by Kindred) is where you can quench your thirst and enjoy live music, with 20+ local, independent, and popular brewers pouring your favourite beers and ciders.

The Cellar Door (presented by Ray White Woody Point) will offer an extensive selection of wines as well as cheeses, meats and other picnic goodies to enjoy while listening to cool jazz tunes.

The Oasis (presented by Aspley Mazda) is a tropical-inspired area offering colourful cocktails, refreshing gin and everything in between. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and hit the dance floor to DJs and live music.

Sweets and Treats is where you can sample brownies, baked treats, desserts, coffee, ice-creams, macarons, doughnuts and plenty more delicious sweets and treats. There will also be cooking demonstrations from celebrity dessert chef Adriano Zumbo, live music, pop-up bars and dessert cocktails.

How to get tickets

To find out more about Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival and to buy tickets, head to the website here.

Tastes of Moreton Bay Feastival is delivered by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism, with the support of key strategic partner, Moreton Bay Regional Council.