Part of the three-day Tastings on Hastings celebration is the popular Saturday evening festival which provides the perfect lead-in to the Tastings on Hastings main event on Sunday.

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.