SPUD FEST Frawleys bringing Anchorage Bellarine Festival to Port this summer

A FESTIVAL in Portarlington this summer will highlight local business and wineries, while offering entertainment options for the thousands of people who flock to the seaside town.

The Anchorage Bellarine Festival will operate in the parklands behind Rockwall Café from December 26 until January 6. Organised by former Australian rules footballer and commentator Danny “Spud” Frawley, and his wife Anita, who has been in the events industry for more than 20 years, the festival is designed for the whole family, with an open-air cinema under the stars offering all the latest movies at dusk.

“We’ll also have food trucks, Container Bars, including beverages from our local Bellarine wineries, local buskers and kids entertainment on site,” Ms Frawley said. “Come and relax and enjoy what is on offer at The Anchorage Bellarine Festival.”

Portarlington Business Development Association president John Rae said he was delighted that the Anchorage Bellarine Festival would be in Portarlington.

“Our town swells by 20,000 people in December and January and this festival will be visited not only by them, it will also attract new visitors to Portarlington to try out the open air cinema in
particular,” Mr Rae said.

Mrs Frawley, whose family has been holidaying in Indented Head for more than 50 years, said the idea for the festival in Portarlington was inspired by a visit to Perth.

“Danny and I recently visited Perth and came across Embargo, a unique destination that provides a summertime experience close to the city of Perth perched on the Swan River,” she said.

“So we want to highlight our local business and wineries in the area and offer additional entertainment options to ensure everyone visiting our area walks away with a fantastic experience.”

Mrs Frawley said now that her youngest daughter had finished school, she and Danny would be basing themselves at Indented Head to escape the busy city life.

“Our family (my parents) have been holidaying in Indented Head for 50 years and three members of my family all have houses at Indented Head,” she said.

“Many childhood memories are of my siblings and now my own family.

“Plus the ferry gives us the option for quick trips back and forth to Melbourne.”

The festival, which will operate daily from 12.30pm until 9pm daily, is on the search for local buskers/entertainment, security, service staff or bar staff and local cleaners.

For more information, head to theanchoragebellarine.com.