Two of the Port's largest food festivals are coming together in 2019 to produce one substantial month-long event in August.
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Following months of deliberations, the renowned Love Seafood and hugely popular Tastes at the Bay have joined forces and resources to create 'Love Seafood and Tastes Port Stephens' as the Port's signature winter calendar event.
Traditionally held on the first weekend in November, the long-standing 'Tastes' festival would now become a highlight weekend in August as the culmination of a huge month of celebrations featuring the Port's high quality fresh seafood.
Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson said that the success of 'Tastes' had varied over the years and the chamber felt the necessity for a fresh approach.
"Working collaboratively with Destination Port Stephens, 'Tastes' can drive a stronger, more sustainable economic benefit across the Port Stephens region during our lower visitation time of year," Ms Anderson said.
ALSO READ: State's $20,000 Love Seafood boost
Andrew McDonald, Destination Port Stephens chairman, said having two wonderful drawcard events could only be advantageous to delivering a significant month-long event for Port businesses and visitors.
"This year we expect yet again to grow visitor numbers and by bringing both events together we hope to provide an exciting opportunity to create a bigger and better event in 2019 and beyond," he said.
"Port Stephens offers some of the world's best seafood, and Love Sea Food will celebrate the coastal cuisine for which the region is renowned."
The newly titled 'Tastes' being held on the final weekend of the Love Sea Food month.
Mr McDonald said that the newly titled 'Tastes' event, which was expected to reach a wider audience through a collaborative marketing program with Destination Port Stephens, would take place on the final weekend (August 31/September 1) of the 2019 Love Seafood festival.
Another highlight of the month-long program, to be launched on August 1, includes the Love Seafood gala dinner to be held on Saturday, August 3.
Meanwhile, a twilight cruise hosted by the business chamber on the Moonshadow last Friday night attracted more than 70 people, including 50 members.
Chamber spokesperson Peter Clough said that the innovative approach to business networking had proved to be a resounding success.
"We had a number of businesses who indicated they would take up out 15-month new membership offer."
He said that anyone interested in joining can lodge an application on the chamber's website.