An overwhelming response to the first Hunter Valley Cheese and Chocolate Festival caused “a few hiccups” on Saturday, but organisers are hailing the inaugural event a success.
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More than 6000 people attended the Hope Estate festival – the venue’s first time organising a daytime event.
Attendees took to the Facebook event to complain of sold-out stalls and long queues.
Hope Estate event manager Emma Sullivan also acknowledged there were some traffic issues with large numbers driving to the event.
“We really didn’t expect the numbers,” she said.
“We did have pre-booked tickets, but we really had no idea how many would turn up.
“There were a few hiccups. But once everyone was inside most were really happy.”
Ms Sullivan said the combination of sweet and savoury was a hit, and the beer and wine matchings also worked really well.
“There were a lot of families, it was a really beautiful day.”
The event is expected to return in the 2019 July school holidays.
