► Rolling coverage: Tastings on Hastings 2014 | Photos

THOUSANDS of food lovers hit the Port Macquarie CBD on Sunday for the annual Tastings on Hastings.

Organiser Necia Waghorn of Marketplace Events said the event was running "incredibly smoothly".

"I think we'll have a record crowd. The stall holders have been positive saying they have had good lineups and our great team of volunteers is working very hard," she said. "Peter Kuruvita's cooking demonstrations are sold out and the new layout is working well."

Chef Kuruvita, who has only driven through Port Macquarie until this weekend, said Saturday night's Tastings on Hastings dinner at Fig Bar was excellent.

"One hundred and seventy two people enjoyed the food, we chatted about the food and talked about Tastings and everyone left happy," Kuruvita said. "I live in Noosa and here is similar. The growers are very proud of their produce and it is very high quality.

"There are some unique things here, too. I cooked with buffalo last night. The strawberries are stunning and the corn fed chicken was beautiful."

Kuruvita said he enjoys doing festivals as each is very different.

"It is good to see the local community support them," he said.

"I get to see beautiful places like this and work with local chefs. And if I ever get a holiday I can pick my destination easily."

Anthony Sarks of Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries said there certainly were a lot of people at the event.

"We've had a good steady day. It's hot but the breeze is beautiful," he said. "Everyone is happy ... God was born here, isn't that the saying?"

Jim Mobbs of Bago Vineyard said it was a better structure this year.

"They took notice of what we said after last year so it is all good so far," he said.

People came from far and wide for the event.

In its rolling coverage on the day, the Port News snapped Newcastle couple Troy and Kylie Doherty enjoying the pork belly from Quay Lime restaurant; locals Glenn and Sue Cooper praising the oysters and prawn kebab from Port Macquarie Fresh Seafoods; and Noel and Kay Hodges of the Gold Coast with their son Gavin and his family who love Port Macquarie and "come up from Forster all the time" were chowing down on some lamb chops.

With a children's play area, farmers market, makers market, licensed area, and so much variety, everyone was spoilt for choice on a stunning day by the shore of the Hastings River.

Members of the Hastings Business Women's Network and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service were among the volunteers who helped people to recycle their used plates and cups properly and clear the tables which dotted the Town Green.