A new barbecue festival is set to sizzle this long weekend, with organisers expecting 10,000 people to converge on Franklin Square for the inaugural “Flamin’ Franko” event.
Founder Madi Peattie, responsible for the popular Farm Gate Market and Street Eats, created the event after identifying a gap in the local culinary festival scene.
“Barbecue festivals are huge globally and I happened to notice that we’re not doing one here,” she said.
The two-day festival showcases more than a dozen local vendors and features barbecue and smoked offerings alongside whiskey distilleries and craft breweries.
While tickets remain available, Peattie anticipates reaching capacity throughout the weekend.
“We haven’t sold out yet, but we know that we’ll reach capacity,” she said.
Organisers are already considering expanding to include Monday’s Eight Hours Day public holiday in future iterations.
Destination Southern Tasmania CEO Alex Heroys said Flamin’ Franko kicks off a weekend of events for foodies, with the Taste of Huon following on Sunday.
“Events are really significant for the tourism industry. They’re huge economic drivers,” he said.
“We need to continue to invent in new events that will attract interstate visitors, but also support events that keep the economy running year round.”
Flamin’ Franko adult admission is $20, with free entry for children under 16.
