Festivale INDUSTRY FEATURE
PICS: DEARNA BOND
For nearly four decades, Festivale has stood as one of Tasmania’s great summer rituals - a vibrant three-day celebration where Launceston’s historic City Park transforms into a bustling playground of flavour, music, and community. From humble beginnings in 1988, Festivale is now Tasmania’s longest running food and beverage festival. Attracting 30,000 patrons, Launceston’s City Park is transformed into an incredible event venue for three days where the best Tasmanian food, beers, wines, ciders and spirits are showcased along with an incredible entertainment and comedy lineup. Wine and spirits masterclasses along with cooking demonstrations presented by a guest chef alongside incredible local chefs rounds out a full and vibrant program. Festivale started as a single day food and beverage festival in 1988 at the Australian/Italian Club as part of the bi-centennial celebrations. It then moved to the streets of Launceston where it was held for the next seven years and bands would play on the balcony of the old Launceston Hotel. After continuing to grow in popularity, the event moved to its current home, City Park and beers
and wines were introduced to compliment the food offerings. Festivale was originally organised by the Launceston City Council, however ownership was handed to an incorporated not-for profit organisation 25 years ago. Festivale is now run over three days – Friday 4pm to 11pm, Saturday 11am to 11pm and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Event capacity is 30,000 across the three days and has been a sell- out event for the past three years. Held the first weekend in February, this time of the year was chosen due to more favourable weather and peak tourism season.
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Tasmanian Hospitality Review December/January Edition
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