The Tastings on Hastings festival of flavours will not disappoint this weekend.

Now in its 14th year, Tastings on Hastings will descend on the Port Macquarie town centre for a festival of food, culture and relaxing by the river.

The festival highlights kick off on Saturday night with the Tastings Ignites event on Town Green.

Mesmerising fire twirlers, local art displays and soulful tunes and will light up Town Green during the Tastings Ignites Festival, sponsored by Arthouse Industries, from 5pm to 9pm on Saturday, October 29. 

Seafood lovers can taste test oysters at The Oyster Barn where the chefs from exciting new eatery Bill’s Fishhouse and visiting seafood guru Jon Sussman from Fishtales will host a cooking demo. 

The Oyster Barn is sure to be a crowd pleaser open from 5pm to 8pm. You can sip, sup and savour your way through the region’s finest oysters and master the technique of shucking. 

A talented line up of local musicians will entertain on the Town Green stage so bring your picnic rug and sit back to take in the festival atmosphere. 

Pam Hata will kick off at 5pm followed by Benje Travis at 6pm, Lauren Edwards at 7pm and the soothing vocals of Aqwa from 8pm til 9pm. 

Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peter Besseling said Tastings Ignites, now in its second year, gives more people the opportunity to experience the festival spirit on our foreshore. 

“Our theme of Fire Water Harvest will ignite all the senses by providing a feast of visual, audible and taste experiences,” he said.

“The event showcases the best of our region to locals and visitors who can enjoy the riverside summer vibe, cauldrons and fantastic food.”

Join in to create a public art installation or watch local artist Skye Petho from Arthouse Industries in action at the glass and lampworking demonstration. 

Tastings Ignites Festival entry is $5 (under 18s free) and this includes entry to the Tastings on Hastings main event on Sunday.  

On Sunday, October 30, over 100 exhibitors will line the streets including celebrity newcomer, indigenous chef Clayton Donovan.

Lionel Cole returns to Port Macquarie after his appearance at the Big Band Blast earlier this year.

Lionel will take to the stage at 1.30pm followed by popular local band Jackson James Trio between 3pm and 4pm.

A series of cooking demonstrations will provide an opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade from 10am to 2pm in the riverside marquee.

Join celebrity chefs Matt Wilkinson and Nicolas Poelaert at 10am as they prepare a delicious meal using locally sourced, fresh produce.

At 11am learn about the paddock to provedore ethos with popular chef Matt Golinski.

Using fresh local produce sourced from the local Wauchope Farmers Market, Matt will show us all how easy it is to transform your Farmers Market pickings into a plate of fresh and flavoursome goodness.

At noon join hospitality teacher Charles James from Newman Senior Technical College as he shares kitchen tips from his popular ‘Show me Chef’ online teaching program.

Download the event map and more information at www.tastingsonhastings.com.au