Mary Valley GourMay Festival announced for 2023

For one whole month, the Mary Valley will come alive, showcasing an assortment of delicacies and produce as part of the Mary Valley GourMay Festival.

For one whole month, the Mary Valley will showcase its assortment of delicacies and produce as part of the Mary Valley GourMay Festival. Picture: Supplied

Throughout the month of May, the Mary Valley GourMay Festival will celebrate one of Australia’s richest food bowl regions, showcasing the delicacies and produce from the Mary Valley.

The month-long festival will draw attention to the farmers, producers and creators who pour their time, energy and passion into food grown in the region.

From more traditional dairy, beef, pineapples, avocados and limes to more exotic persimmons and feijoas, even the Spanish grape tempranillo has found a home in the Valley.

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For one whole month, the Mary Valley will showcase its assortment of delicacies as part of the Mary Valley GourMay Festival. Picture: Supplied

The month will fill Imbil and surrounds with events that include talks, cooking demonstrations, exhibitions and competitions. The Imbil Town Square and Rail park will come alive with the free festival day on Saturday, May 6.

The highlight of the program will be a Mystery Box ‘cook off’ between local foodies. Each contestant will be given a box with a couple of items, including a voucher to spend in the market. The winner will receive the title of “GourMay Cook of the Year.”

Witjuti Grub nursery owner Veronica Cougan will explore growing edible natives. Rebecca Dart will share her knowledge on the benefits of edible bamboo and Amber Scott, from Kandanga Farm, will explain the importance of Farming with Nature, a media release from the organisers said.

Mary Valley’s Boozy Brunch will be hosted at Wild Vine Cafe, as well as a Cocktails and Canapes session in the newly created village gardens.

Kandanga Farm Store will host a dinner curated by bush foods expert Peter Wolfe. They will also show off the benefits of ‘syntropic’ farming in their organic gardens.

Wine lunches, a Kenilworth Tasting Festival, arts, music, film, campfires, and a photography competition all make up the program.

Explore the full GourMay program here.