A FESTIVAL ON THE HILLS
WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTO Supplied
After whatever 2020 was, we deserve to make this summer last as long as possible, and there is no better way to relish in a season Canterbury does so well than a festival. One such day out that is perfectly placed on our doorstep is the Banks Peninsula Festival.
Ensconced on the sun-drenched side of Lyttelton Harbour, Orton Bradley Park provides a perfect setting for a celebration of what makes us special. There will be a vibrant showcase of music, food, beverage, and culture from around the region and beyond.
They are truly catering to folks of all strokes, festival director Emma Schimanski says there will be over 20 food and drink stalls, from Akaroa Salmon to Cakes by Anna, to Cassels Brewing Co, Peninsula Gin, and Twenty Seven Steps.
On top of word class, local food and drink, the organisers have put together a stellar line-up of top Kiwi musicians. You can boogie to the likes of The Butlers, Deep Water Creek, Delaney Davidson, and Pieces of Molly.
Organisers expect around 3000 punters to grace the historic location, and they will be able to take in something truly unique to this festival, the Banks Peninsula Mystery Box Cook-Off.
Three of the region’s best chefs will compete to create a plate from a mystery box of ingredients that has been foraged from the Banks Peninsula region. Attendees can sit and watch them craft a dish from scratch under time pressure.
“Our competing chefs this year are Giulio Sturla from MAPU, Jamie Jamison from Everybody Eats, and Bob Fair from Alfred,” says Emma.
Set aside 20 February to do something a little different – escape the daily grind and take in some of the best of our backyard.