End of the road for popular festival

THE Lara Food and Wine Festival will not be returning to the region.

The long-running event attracts thousands of visitors each year, providing attendees with a family-friendly event at Pirra Homestead.

In a statement posted to Facebook last week, the festival’s organising committee said the decision had been made with “heavy hearts” and “deep regret”.

“Despite our passion and commitment to celebrating local produce, culinary talent and community spirit, we have faced increasing challenges in recent years,” the post said.

“These include complex compliance requirements, the previous auspice organisation no longer being available, difficulty securing consistent sponsorship and funding, and a shortage of volunteers.

“We are incredibly proud of what the festival has achieved over the years, and we are grateful to every sponsor, supplier, vendor, community group, and attendee who helped bring it to life. Your enthusiasm and support have made the festival a cherished part of Lara’s cultural calendar and it will forever remain a proud part of Lara’s history.”

Last held in 2024, the festival aimed to showcase local food and wine in the region, alongside an array of entertainment, competitions and exhibitions.

This year’s festival was to be held in March, but was cancelled, with the committee, at the time, citing circumstances out of their control.

The festival’s organising committee was contacted for comment, but had not responded as this masthead went to print.