Big crowd flocks to the opening day of the Taste of Tasmania

THE first cashless Taste of Tasmania has kicked off on Hobart’s waterfront with only minor glitches reported.

THE first cashless Taste of Tasmania has kicked off on Hobart’s waterfront with only minor glitches reported.

In three hours during the evening, 50,000 transactions were processed on the new Albert cashless system, with some stallholders concerned about drop outs and the length of time transactions were taking to go through.

Aldermen Damon Thomas and Ron Christie cut the ribbon to officially open the Taste of Tasmania. Pictures: Nikki Davis-Jones

Event spokesman Damon Thomas said the combination of hundreds of inexperienced staff and 16 new stallholders were compounding problems.

GALLERY: TASTE OF TASMANIA DAY 1

“Anything new is a challenge, but we’re comfortable that there’s no overall problem with the system,” Alderman Thomas said.

“Australia’s festivals are predominantly cashless. It’s a security issue, it’s an easy and convenient way of doing it.”

A system check has since been completed to iron out any problems.

More than 100 seats have been added to the seven-day festival which saw a big crowd through the gates on opening day, along with extra shade and The Paddock area being revamped.

A total of 63 food and beverage stallholders include businesses that have taken part in the event since it first started 27 years ago.

A big crowd lines up at the entrance to the Taste before the official opening.

Ald Thomas said 100,000 people were expected to visit, many on multiple occasions.

“Some people see it as their new home, where they live, eat, relax and meet friends,” he said.

About 70-100 swimmers took part in the 1.2km Pier River Swim event.

Tom Curran may have taken on the swim off the cuff, but he claimed victory.

The 19-year-old took out the men’s category by a fraction of a second.

The Melbourne resident, who grew up in Launceston, said it was great to win with a time of 12min 27sec.

“I know I’ve trained hard but I’m not that experienced in open water, so it’s a bit of a surprise,” Mr Curran said.

Townsville visitors Allison Waters, left, and Chantelle O'Connor sample the fare.

Friends Allison Waters and Chantelle O’Connor are visiting from Queensland for the Taste and Falls festivals.

“There’s just so much variety and so many delicious-looking foods,” Ms Waters said.

The pair said the cashless system made life easier.

“I’ve got a bit of cash with me as well as my card but I think this is actually easier rather than having to go to an ATM when you need more money,” Ms O’Connor said.

For details, go to www.thetasteoftasmania.com.au

Only a few seats remained free shortly after the opening.