New Coffs Harbour festival BananaFest set for 2023 launch at Big Banana Park

A new festival focused on food and music will be held soon in Coffs Harbour – here’s what you need to know about the region’s latest family friendly event.

The two day festival BananaFest aims to appeal to music and food lovers, providing a family friendly experience celebrating the community. Picture: Gethin Coles

Coffs Harbour is set to host a new festival – with a little bit of something for everyone – at the Big Banana, titled “BananaFest”.

The two-day festival aims to showcase the Coffs community and will feature live music and local food, breweries and wineries.

BananaFest will be held on May 6 and 7 – which falls between the Autumn and Winter school holidays.

The iconic Big Banana is a popular spot for events, with laser tag, 18 holes mini golf, water park and ice skating all available in the new year.

The Big Banana CEO Michael Lockman said the festival has been in the pipelines for several years.

“The family friendly two-day festival showcases great local food, music, culture and most importantly celebrates The Banana in every sense of the word,” he said.

Big Banana CEO Michael Lockman.

Big Banana sales and marketing manager Leah Holmes hopes the festival will attract people into Coffs Harbour, with day and night tickets available.

“During the day, attendees will have access to the park, whereas at night people can expect a more grown up feel, with fire twirlers and food stalls,” she said.

While the festival will focus on local fare, it’s expected it will boost interstate tourism.

“It’s something to put Coffs on the map after a tough few years for families,” Ms Holmes said.

The two day festival BananaFest aims to appeal to music and food lovers, providing a family friendly experience celebrating the community. Picture: Gethin Coles

Last year, council approved a plan to see the Big Banana grow, with a $50 million expansion featuring 40 new cabins, allowing for on-site accommodation, however Leah confirmed they won’t be available in time.

The self-contained cabins – costing about $6.3m to build – are to be perched on a hill offering coastal views for holiday makers.

Mr Lockman previously told The Advocate it was anticipated that the cabins, to be built across two stages, would be finished by next year.

The Big Banana. Picture: Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

Banana farms that once scattered Coffs Harbour’s hills have now been converted into blueberry plantations or new homes.

The Big Banana hosts an entire tourist complex, featuring a gift shop, ice skating, an indoor ski slope, and tours of the surrounding plantation.

BananaFest was given a boost after the NSW government provided $150,000 for the event.

Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said he was hopeful an influx of visitors would benefit the local economy.

Local event management company “Another Tasty Event” as well as suppliers from the region will support the festival.

Tourists can be seen snapping pictures in front of the banana at all times of day and BananaFest organisers hope to keep that trend going in the long run.