A brand-new line up of degustation experiences featuring the best food in the region will be on offer during this year's Taste Tamworth Festival. More than 20 local businesses have already signed up to be part of the 2025 program which will run from April 4-13.
From ticketed craft beer tastings to pizza making classes, Taste presents a number of experiences not usually on offer within local stores, cafes and restaurants around Tamworth.
With a key focus on highlighting local produce, festival-goers can expect to enjoy a range of events that celebrate farm to plate and local culture, as well as try new venues they may have not considered previously.
Events Manager Barry Harley says "Following the success of the Toyota 53rd Tamworth Country Music Festival, Taste is designed to give locals another opportunity to experience new events and local flavours, while also drawing in visitors from across the state and beyond."
Tamworth Regional Council's flagship events are also returning, with Sweet Street to be held on Sunday April 6, while Taste in the Park will round out the festival on Sunday April 13.
Stall applications for the two events are now open, with spots filling quickly. More than a dozen new vendors have come on board for Taste in the Park, including Baiada, which has joined this year as the event's key sponsor. Taste in the Park is designed for the whole family, with lawn games, food tastings and a new Baiada cooking demonstration tent, led by Peter Bukowski from Tamworth BBQ.
One new element of this year's festival is 'Comfort Food Cabaret' – an ultimate tasting experience that blends musical comedy cabaret with a cooking class.
Executive Manager – Creative Communities and Experiences Peter Ross says Comfort Food Cabaret is the perfect show for musical theatre lovers, or those who simply love live music.
"Comfort Food Cabaret will be held at Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday April 12. It's a delightful show that leads audiences on a hilarious journey of music, storytelling and delicious food.
"Starring Australia's singing cook Michelle Pearson, audiences are treated to a show of soulful jazz, rock and pop songs, while being presented with a three-course meal.
"The show is a perfect addition to the festival, demonstrating the versatility of shows presented at Entertainment Venues all year round." Mr Ross says.
Popular local cafe, Hissy Fits, has also come on board this year and will host a ticketed Craft Beer and Degustation evening on Friday April 11. The café continues to branch out from its regular programming, having hosted a number of events during the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Other key events during Taste Tamworth include:
- Harmony and High Tea at The Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music on April 5.
- Le Pruneau Organic Markets at Le Pruneau on April 5.
- Sweet Street in Fitzroy Street on April 6.
- Welders Dog Food Truck and Trivia at The Welder's Dog on April 9.
- Pizza making sessions at Papa Luigi's on April 10.
- Comfort Food Cabaret at Tamworth Town Hall on April 12.
- Cupcake decorating and painting at The Tiny Studio and Sweet Petites on April 12
- Nundle Picnic Day in Nundle on April 12.
- Barraba Museum Markets at Nandewar Historical Society Museum on April 12.
- Peel Street Markets in Peel Street on April 12.
- Taste in the Park at Bicentennial Park on April 13.
- Rock n Bowl at Tamworth Tenpins on April 13.
- Summer Nights - International Cuisine at Centrepoint Shopping Centre on Thursday,
Friday and Saturday evenings.
