Volunteers crucial for 15th Mussel Fest

THE Portarlington Mussel Festival’s committee has put the call out to the local community to help get preparations under way for the 15th running of the local seafood festival.

Slated for January 13, the Portarlington Mussel Festival will need more than 100 volunteers to provide sufficient assistance on the day.

President and long-time volunteer Richard Underwood said he is confident community groups and residents will contribute as they have done the past decade and a half.

“It’s getting towards the time that we’re looking at recruiting volunteers and community support, across the board, everything that helps make the festival the success it is each year,” Mr Underwood said.

“So, again, we would urge people to again put their hand up. We had a tremendous response in the end last year and we got all of our roles filled.

“We have no doubts the community will back us in again this, it’s what makes the community of Portarlington as special as it is.”

This year’s Mussel Festival attracted more than 10,000 visitors to Portarlington’s foreshore, enjoying over 200 community and commercial stalls – and of course a few mussels.

The festival also features an array of local musicians, roving children’s entertainment and cooking demonstrations.

The festival has again partnered with Community Bank Bellarine as the major sponsor for 2024.

Any volunteers keen on contributing to next month’s Portarlington Mussel Festival can do so by heading to portmusselfestival.com/volunteer and filling in the application or calling 0417 315 763.

For general information, head to portmusselfestival.com