Replacement for Taste of Tasmania event yet to be announced with just four months to go
Tasmanian food and wine producers are still waiting to hear what kind of New Year’s celebration will be put on in the absence of the Taste of Tasmania this year. HAVE YOUR SAY >>
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DETAILS are yet to be released on what will replace Hobart’s Taste of Tasmania new year’s event despite submissions for interested operators closing almost a month ago.
The Taste of Tasmania as we know it is not going ahead this summer — but wheels have been in motion for a Taste-style event to run in its place.
The state government and Hobart City Council sought submissions from experienced event organisers to run a new end-of-year food and drink celebration. Submissions closed on July 31.
It came after the council in May decided the Taste of Tasmania would not proceed in its usual format because of coronavirus, but said a smaller event could, subject to restrictions. It will provide $300,000 towards the modified event.
With around four months left to plan the event, details on the submissions are yet to be released.
Small Business, Hospitality and Events Minister Sarah Courtney said on Monday there had been “a number of ideas come forward”.
“They’re currently being considered and the government will be having more to say about that in the very near future,” she said.
Mona subsidiary DarkLab, which runs the popular midwinter festival Dark Mofo, did not put in a submission.
Premier Peter Gutwein said last month that ideas were being sought for a “uniquely Tasmanian” event that would support the state’s producers and suppliers and reinvigorate Hobart.
Brinktop Wines owners Todd Goebel and Gill Christian have been growing grapes and making wine in the Coal River Valley since 1999, but Brinktop is a new venture.
They had planned to apply to have a stall at the Taste for the first time this year before the event was cancelled.
“We knew we needed to get involved and get our name out there, so it was a blow when it was cancelled,” Ms Christian said.
“We’re very keen to be involved in something during that New Year’s period, but we need some notice to get organised.”
Announced last month, popular mainland bands the Jungle Giants and Yacht Club DJs will headline a night of music at Hobart’s Goods Shed on the last day of the year, alongside several Tasmanian artists including Chase City and Lazer Baby.
Run by events company Vandemonian Touring, the NYE night shows will follow a day of free local music at the Regatta Grounds earlier in the day.
Do you have an idea for a New Year’s event to replace Taste of Tasmania? Leave a suggestion in the comments section below.
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