The third annual Cessnock Stomp Festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet.
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On Sunday, April 8, the Cessnock CBD will come alive with the Hunter’s best food, wine and beer, markets, fashion parades, kids’ activities and of course, grape stomping.
Coordinated by Cessnock Chamber of Commerce, the Stomp festival has brought more than 25,000 visitors to Cessnock and injected $6 million into the local economy in its first two years, becoming a flagship event for the region.
The 2018 festival was launched on Tuesday night at its major sponsor, Ben Ean winery at Pokolbin.
Hunter Valley wine identities Brian McGuigan and Colin Peterson bought the former Lindeman’s winery in September last year, and the pair says supporting the Stomp festival is a great way to bring the vineyards into Cessnock.
“We love Cessnock and the Hunter Valley, and we’re delighted to be part of this promotion,” Mr McGuigan said.
“We have to put our hands up and support the community.
“The Hunter is such a tremendous region and we should be encouraging more and more people to come here.”
Chamber president Clint Ekert said the festival has achieved its goal of “breaking down barriers” between Cessnock and the vineyards, and praised the collaborative approach between the chamber, the wineries and other businesses involved for its success.
Entry to the festival is free. Tickets for the grape-stomping competition are limited and can be bought at cessnockstomp.com.
BEN EAN CESSNOCK STOMP FESTIVAL 2018 PROGRAM
Sunday, April 8 – Vincent Street, Cessnock
- 10am: Opening ceremony
- 10.30am: Stomp 1*
- 11am: Vines Fashion Parade
- 11.30am: Stomp 2*
- 12.30pm: Stomp 3*
- 1pm: Vines Fashion Parade
- 1.30pm: Stomp 4*
- 2pm Pub vs Pub Challenge
- 2.30pm: Stomp 5*
- 3.30pm: Stomp 6*
*Buy your tickets for the Stomp competitions at cessnockstomp.com.
