There will be five different precincts – farmers market, restaurant precinct, the main stage, makers market, and the wine and beer area.

Entry to this food lovers paradise is $5 for adults, and free for 18 years and younger.

Access points are at the cruise terminal end of Town Green; Clarence Street at Short Street, Horton Street and Hay Street; and at the Hay Street end of Town Green.

The farmers market is along the Town Green in front of Beach House and Rydges Port Macquarie and features 18 stalls with bush foods, sauces, gourmet tidbits, soaps, produce, coffee, oils, herbs, olives and more. At the end of this area there will be children’s amusements.

Makers market in the Glasshouse forecourt has 21 stalls showcasing art, toys, mosaics, jewellery,woodcraft and other creations.

The licensed area is closest to the main stage in front of Lady Nelson Wharf and along the Hastings River from the Quay North building to the Mid Pacific Motel.

You will find 16 stalls with our local wineries, beers, oysters, cider, soft drink and Hastings Co-op.

General exhibitors, including delicious flavours from many countries, chocolates, soaps, coffee, restaurants, ice cream, baked goods – 60 stalls in all – will line Clarence Street between Hay and Short streets and the Town Green parking area.

Look for one of the more than 100 volunteers in Tastings on Hastings aprons and caps for any assistance from 9am until the event closes at 4pm.

Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peter Besseling, who will officially open proceedings at 10.05am, said: “The Tastings on Hastings festival will showcase the full spectrum of what our region has to offer, including local farmers, artisans, food producers, wine growers, brewers, restaurants and cafes”.

“The fresh line up at Tastings on Hastings reflects the cultural and culinary evolution that is taking place in the PortMacquarie-Hastings region.”

Exhibitors come from the “100 Food Mile” region from Port Stephens in the south, Armidale in the west, and Woolgoolga in the north.

The culinary weekend begins on the Town Green from 4.30pm Friday with the Fire, Water, Harvest Festival featuring entertainment, art and food.

On Saturday, celebrity chef Matt Moran hosts his Love Food Hate Waste cooking demonstration at the Glasshouse from 9am.

Other workshops/master classes on Saturday include cheese (sold out), wine, and beer. Tickets vary from $10 to $25and can bebooked at tastingsonhastings.com.au

Sunday is chowdown day.

Celebrity chef Matt Moran of the famed two hatted Sydney restaurant Aria hosts a sold-out dinner at Port Macquarie's one hat restaurant The Stunned Mullet on William Street.