Thousands celebrate Mussel Festival

THOUSANDS of Bellarine residents and visitors turned out to celebrate the 2024 Portarlington Mussel Festival.

Portarlington Mussel Tours and Sea Bounty founder Lance Wiffen said it was a good day all round.

“It was a great day, with record sales,” he said.

“It was fantastic to see all those people that come every year into the town to taste our mussels and enjoy the festivities.

“And it really makes Portarlington the mussel capital of Australia.”

Starting as a small street event in 2007, the Portarlington Mussel Festival is now one of Victoria’s most popular festivals.

Bellarine MP and festival volunteer Alison Marchant said this year’s festival was a huge success.

“It was a pleasure to volunteer on the main gate and greet locals and visitors to the Bellarine and Portarlington Mussel Festival.

“As people entered, they were excited to see live music, market stalls and enjoy good food.

“Some even told me they didn’t even like mussels, but knew they had plenty of other options and came to support the local community event.”

Ms Marchant said weather conditions didn’t detract from the festivities.

“Despite the rain, it did not dampen the spirits of festival goers, and it was a great atmosphere to celebrate our local food, drink, and makers.”

Portarlington Mussel Festival outgoing president Richard Underwood said his personal favourite part of the festival was singing along to the Australian Queen tribute show Queen Forever.

“The highlight was Queen Forever and it was interesting to note that a lot of people were there for same reason, it was a bit drizzly with rain, but with Queen performing, it wasn’t enough to send them home.”

“Queen aside, it was great to see so many happy people and all the wonderful volunteers, everyone had smiles on their face and it was a really lovely family environment.

“Alison Marchant was a wonderful volunteer and we were thrilled that she officially opened the festival.”

Ms Marchant thanked the volunteers that made the festival possible.

“In my official remarks I thanked all of the nearly 200 incredible volunteers who worked hard to create another successful event, as well as acknowledging outgoing president Richard Underwood and his family, who have put in an immeasurable number of hours to run this wonderful annual event for over 15 years,” she said.

“After rocking out to the Queen live tribute band, I enjoyed walking around the markets, viewing the art show and chatting with the locals.

“It was the best of the Bellarine community on show.”