Hill’s Harvest fest foodie-focused

SOVEREIGN Hill’s first ever Heritage Harvest Weekend is set to see a foodie takeover of the living museum.

To be held over two days only, this Saturday, 28 and Sunday, 29 May, the festival is a nod to the classic autumn harvest period, a celebration of growing and preserving fresh seasonal produce, and age-old food practices.

Sovereign Hill’s head of external engagement Mark Hemetsberger said diggers arrived in Ballarat in the 1850s from all corners of the globe, and brought with them vibrant cultures and cuisines.

“Food was a way for them to remember their home and loved ones, and connect with those around them on the goldfields,” he said.

“Heritage Harvest Weekend is about curing, pickling, fermenting, distilling, salting… Acknowledging and celebrating those simple food traditions that have come to Ballarat from all around the world.

“We know visitors come to Sovereign Hill for a joyful experience. We’re striving to build on our existing strengths, offer a new event full of excitement, fun, food, smells, feasts of flavour, and traditions, and attract a new foodie audience.”

The Harvest Weekend program includes a market of 30 stalls selling artisan wares and produce, and a Botanical Bar championing distilleries including Kilderkin and Mrs Baker’s Still House amongst citrus trees.

The two days will be full of masterclasses and workshops in the areas of old trades, cheese, butter, terrine and pâté-making, and even starting a bee colony.

In the Victoria Theatre, restaurant critic Gemima Cody will host demonstrations with award-winning chefs including Underbar’s Derek Boath, Future Food System’s Jo Barrett, and CHAE’s Jung Eun Chae, on sustainable proteins, Korean ferments, and French classics with an Aussie twist.

The Chinese Village will offer dumplings, noodles, and displays of traditional dancing, while damper-making on an open fire will be the talk of the diggings.

“We expect this will be the biggest foodie event Ballarat will see for the whole year,” Mr Hemetsberger said.

A Little Explorers zone will encourage children to discover and conquer hay bale maze, learn new kitchen and green skills, including how to plant vegetables, and invite them to meet baby animals.

Entry to the Heritage Harvest Festival is covered within a normal Sovereign Hill ticket; $39 for adults, $20 for children, and $99 for a family of four. Visit bookings.sovereignhill.com.au to book ahead.