Cessnock’s main street transformed into a food and wine lovers’ paradise on Sunday for the third annual Stomp Festival.
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The organisers were thrilled with the turnout, estimating about 17,000 people attended throughout the six-hour event.
The festival had something for everyone, with 600 metres of wine, beer, food, markets, music, kids activities and more along Vincent Street.
The Great Cessnock Stomp grape-stomping competitions were the centrepiece of the festival.
“We had people from Scotland, China and heaps from Sydney taking part,” festival MC Tara Naysmith said.
“One lady from Sydney said being in the Stomp was on her bucket list.”
VIDEO: Check out the one of the grape-stomping competitions in the post below.
Cessnock Chamber of Commerce president Clint Ekert said it was exciting to see the festival continue to grow.
“A lot of people are visiting the area just for Stomp,” he said.
“It’s good to see the reach of the event has gone beyond just Cessnock and the Hunter – we’ve had people from Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns here.”
Mr Ekert said the festival has gained great support from businesses (including major sponsor Ben Ean), community groups and local residents.
“It’s fantastic to see people working together for the betterment of Cessnock,” he said.
Mr Ekert said it had been a great week for Cessnock, following the Australian Four-Day Enduro motorcycle event, which ran from Wednesday to Saturday.
“It’s great to see things happening in town, and seeing people happy,” he said.
“I’m wrapped – we couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.”
