“Don’t miss out” on the Fiesta
• Fiesta volunteers unveiled new hi-vis tops at the media launch .. Gina Scott, Minister Jo Palmer, Tony Scott, Grant Wilson and Marie-Louise Bird celebrate with Clover Hill’s Ian White.
July 5, 2023
Potential patrons of the Tassie Scallop Fiesta have been warned to get in and get their tickets before they miss out.
State Primary Industries and Water Minister Jo Palmer said the annual Bridport event on Sunday July 30, in its sixth year, had become a highlight of Tasmania’s food and wine sector.
“Coming in the middle of winter, in a regional area and showcasing our brilliant quality seafood and wines, it ticks a lot of boxes for brand and tourism strategy.
“The fishing industry in Tasmania is so important to regional communities; a typical scallop season will see up to 200 people employed in catching, transporting and processing.”
At a media launch of Fiesta Mrs Palmer said it was important intending attendees go online and secure tickets of their choice.
Fiesta director Tony Scott said some particular types of value-added tickets had already sold out, but there were still plenty of options available.
“You can still watch and have a taste of what our demonstrating chefs cook up, and we all know about the long table lunch well we’re having a series of short round table lunches and you can eat them in an igloo, a nice warm one for winter.”
The media launch was held at the Clover Hill vineyard on Monday, where general manager Ian White said the winery would use its second involvement with masterclasses at the Fiesta to launch a new line of its sparkling wine.
“The multi-vintage production is quite revolutionary. It’s only being tried in a couple of other places in the world.
“So we’ll be trying that and explaining the thinking behind it,” Mr White said.
Mrs Palmer said Tasmanian wine grapes recorded a gross farm gate value of $46 million in 2020-21.
“The industry plays an important role in reaching the Rockliff Liberal Government’s target to grow the farm gate value of Tasmanian agriculture to $10 billion by 2050,” she said.
Tasmania’s scallop fishery and wine industry have a long and proud history and are identified as iconic products worldwide.
She said the State Government was a proud supporter of the Fiesta, providing $50,000 through Events Tasmania to support the it over three years to 2024.
Mr Scott said while there was some undercover protection from the elements, people should be aware Fiesta is mainly an outdoor event in mid-winter.
“But there’s every reason to rug up and get ready to come out of your shell at Fiesta.”