This exciting new dining opportunity forms part of the 14th annual Tastings on Hastings Festival, proudly presented by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Port Macquarie’s Town Green will set the scene for the riverside Harvest Lunch, where diners will indulge in a culinary celebration of locally sourced and freshly prepared produce under the Alfresco Marquee.

Tickets are $145 and will go on sale Monday 29 August at livetix.com.au.

Seats are limited so those wanting to enjoy this unique dining experience are encouraged to get in quickly. Local produce will be the flavour of the day, with a bountiful spread of share plates prepared by local eatery, Drury Lane.

Their clever chefs will forage and find the freshest seasonal ingredients to create an abundant dining experience.

The feast will feature local produce from Ewetopia Farm, poultry from Burrawong Gaian, fish from Bellingen Smokehouse, eggs from Totally Free Range Eggs, honey from Honeycomb Valley Farm, Lake Innes Lettuce and Herbs and more.

Diners will also enjoy wines from Cassegrain Wines, with cider and ginger beer from Longpoint Vineyard. The Harvest Lunch is sponsored by Elements of Design, and is a wonderful opportunity to showcase some of the fabulous produce that is available right here in our local region.

The ‘locavore’ movement is about celebrating food that is grown or produced within a 100 mile radius and has not had to move long distances to market. It’s more than a catchy phrase – the benefits include keeping resources within the local economy and reducing environmental impacts.

Many suggest that eating foods closer to when and where they were harvested could even provide greater health benefits.

The paddock to plate ethos is a key focus for Tastings on Hastings 2016, and the recent Industry Development Day was attended by dozens of farmers, producers and provedores keen to strengthen local links.

The Harvest Lunch will take place on Saturday October 29 between noon and 2.30pm as part of the 2016 Tastings on Hastings Festival, occurring Friday October 28 to Sunday October 30.

To find out more and register for updates visit tastingsonhastings.com.au