Mussel Festival a hit in Portarlington

THOUSANDS flocked to the Bellarine on Saturday for the annual Portarlington Mussel Festival.

Despite Saturday’s warm weather, the festival was well attended with around 12,000 visitors welcomed through the gates to celebrate community, culture and cuisine.

Festivalgoers were treated to a day of live entertainment, hourly cooking demonstrations, roving performances and of course, plenty of mussels were on offer.

Market stalls offered a variety of other food, along with local Bellarine beer and wine.

Event director Jenny Banks said they had a wonderful day and have received some very positive feedback, continuing to build on their successful model each year.

“The organising committee was very pleased with how the day ran and the feedback we have received tells us that it hit the mark as well.

“I wouldn’t say we have an expectation on the number of patrons, but we are always hopeful that we are delivering a festival that will appeal to a wide-ranging audience and to date, we have achieved our goal.”

The Robbie Williams Experience headlined this year’s festival, presented by Louie Lee Fletrin, which Ms Banks said was among the highlights of the day.

“Walking around the site and seeing everyone enjoying themselves is very satisfying for the committee.

“The festival is firstly about celebrating the mussel industry here in Portarlington and then everything else the Bellarine has to offer.”

Committee members are currently asking for feedback from those who attended the festival to help improve and grow the event for future years.

To complete the survey, head to forms.gle/2iAg9fnS5P2jnGJy9