Families flock to The Farm festivities

FAMILIES turned out in large numbers for the Festival of The Farm last weekend, with more than 1,200 people registering to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Byron Bay hub.

Children enjoyed pony rides, fed farmyard animals and competed in a variety of old-school games, including sack races and three-legged races.

Hands-on workshops in mini-flower growing, fermentation and beeswax candle-making were also on offer, alongside live entertainment from all-ages rock band Bunny Racket and a DJ from Howl and Moan Records.

The on-site restaurant, Three Blue Ducks, served up a spit-roast feast featuring beef from cattle raised on the property. The animals were fed a seaweed-based supplement called Seafeed, aimed at reducing methane emissions.

“The whole day was curated around The Farm having an open day and all of our tenants coming to the forefront,” The Farm’s communications and strategic planning manager Tiffany Horton said.

“We wanted it to be an opportunity for the community to connect with nature and get curious about where their food comes from.

“All of the greens served were from our on-site growers as well.

“A lot of people left probably very muddy, with a full belly and hopefully feeling a little bit more connected and educated.”

Originally scheduled for March, the event was postponed due to Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Despite a brief downpour on the day, attendees quickly found shelter under a large marquee, and the sunshine soon returned.

Horton said that renovations are currently underway to create a new undercover area, hopefully allowing The Farm to offer its popular spit-roast meals more frequently.