A popular food and wine festival has been resurrected thanks to the Tomaree Business Chamber and the support of business.

“Tastes of the Bay is back in 2016,” said Tomaree Business Chamber president Ryan Palmer.  

Mr Palmer said there was a public outcry when the Festival did not run in 2015 so the Chamber set about reinventing the event to bring people to Nelson Bay’s CBD and waterfront.

Mr Palmer has been able to bring Greater Bank on board as major sponsor, and with event co-ordinator Peter Clough, secured the support of Destination NSW, Port Stephens Council and Telstra.

The new paper in town, Bay News Of The Area has also come on board as a sponsor of the event.

For the first time, the two day event on 5 and 6 November will be centred on the Nelson Bay CBD as well as the marina.

“We want to showcase and provide benefit to the diverse, vibrant business in the Nelson Bay CBD,” Mr Palmer told News Of The Area.

“Tastes will showcase the wonderful and delicious food Nelson Bay has to offer with food and wine tastings and great jazz in Magnus and Stockton streets.”

“The event also includes a progressive jazz luncheon cruise on Port Stephens, a high tea and cooking demonstrations,” he said.

Mr Palmer said the event will be a family affair with the Greater Bank LifeSaver Kids Zone offering jumping castles, face painting, free showbags and a lolly jar guessing competition.

The Chamber is hoping to attract visitors from the rest of the Hunter, Sydney, Mid-north Coast and Central Coast regions.

“We are hoping for an attendance of 15,000 or more which will be  great boost to the local business community.

The event started in 2001 and is arguably Nelson Bay’s largest annual event.

Greater Bank is offering two free double passes to both the jazz cruise and the high tea.

To enter visit Greater Bank’s Facebook page.

Entry into the event is free with people able to purchase tickets for food and wine tastings.
For more information visit www.portstephens.org.au/tastes