Hobart’s waterfront will once again transform into a foodie’s paradise as the annual Taste of Summer festival returns from December 28 to January 4.
Over 75 stalls showcasing the best of Tasmanian produce are expected to draw a crowd of over 85,000 people, alongside live entertainment from the Hoodoo Gurus and local artists.
Last year’s punters enjoyed a smorgasbord of local delights, including 45,000 oysters, six tonnes of potatoes and three tonnes of squid, according to Taste boss Stephen McMullen.
“They washed all of that down with 3,500 bottles of Tasmanian sparkling as well as a range of non-alcoholic cocktails and other beverages,” he said.
“For every stall there are countless suppliers, growers and producers that are part of the supply chain and each and every one of these businesses benefits from the Taste of Summer.”
“As event organisers, we are also proud that 95.3% of all expenditure across the 2023-24 event remained in the state with Tasmanian businesses and providers.”
The event provides a significant boost to the state’s economy, with $5 million injected last year alone, according to Events Minister Nic Street.
The state government, through Events Tasmania, is supporting the event through a $7.7 million investment over five years to 2026.
“It’s a terrific opportunity to put Tassie on the map, but it’s a terrific opportunity for these businesses to put themselves on the map as well,” Street said.
“Tasmanians are starting to get out, starting to access these festivals and we know how important events are in actually dragging people out of their home, come and spend some money and actually integrate with one another again.”
