The No.1 magazine for visitors to Hunter Valley Wine Country

B L A C K B O A R D

MARCH 2016 | ISSUE #109

Community

12TH AND 13TH MARCH | BULGA BEATS FESTIVAL | Bulga Recreation Ground | Bulga Beats is a community organised music, market and arts festival. The main event will be held on the Saturday, where markets will run from 9am till late afternoon, and music will run from 11am until 11pm. The Festival focuses on attracting people to the district, providing entertainment for all ages and supporting sustainable industries and businesses. The festival is a gold coin donation on entry plus free camping, and be sure to bring your bidding hat and chequebook so you don't miss out on a chance to win a signed guitar by true greats of not just the music industry! For more information visit the Bulga Beats Festival Facebook page.

SUNDAY 27TH MARCH |TEDDY BEARS PICNIC ON EASTER SUNDAY | Hilltop, Rothbury | If you go out in the woods on Sunday 27th March, you're sure of a big surprise, as that’s the day the Teddy Bears have their picnic! So bring your teddy bear, rug and picnic basket for the Teddy Bears Picnic at Hilltop, home of Hunter Valley Horseriding. Enjoy an alcohol free family fun day, with plenty of games, prizes, pony rides and Easter eggs on offer. For more information call Margaret on 4930 7111 or visit www.huntervalleyhorseriding.com.au

SATURDAY 5TH MARCH | A DAY ON THE GREEN WITH HOODOO GURUS | Bimbadgen | From the golden age of indie-rock comes three giants of the era, the Hoodoo Gurus, Sunnyboys and Violent Femmes, as they team up for the very first time in a three-way, no-holds barred attack on the aural senses. This all-star bill also features an equally as impressive undercard with fellow indie-giants Died Pretty dusting off the dancing shoes for the first time in more than seven years, while Ratcat, round out Summer’s most fun bill. It's sure to be a fun day out, if you were lucky enough to get a ticket! For more information visit www.adayonthegreen.com.au

18TH TO 20TH MARCH | KURRI KURRI NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL | Kurri Kurri | Come and celebrate the swinging 1950’s and 1960’s at the annual Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival. The festival is now in its second decade and features all things 1950s - rock n roll, cars, music, fashion and dancing. The three-day program of events includes the Show and Shine vintage car display, retro market stalls, talent quests, best dressed competitions, fashion parades, Rock n Roll dancing and plenty of live entertainment in the main street of Kurri and at the local clubs. For more information on the day and what's on offer visit www.kurrikurrinostalgiafestival.com.au

12TH AND 13TH MARCH | MAITLAND TASTE: FOOD WINE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL | The Levee, Maitland | Attracting over 15,000 visitors last year, the Maitland Taste: Food, Wine and Music Festival is sure to tickle the taste buds again this year. The all ages event will showcase the best the region has to offer and gives visitors the opportunity to talk to the specialists in home grown produce, see local chefs create tempting dishes to excite your appetite and taste the unique flavours of the Hunter. Enjoy a host of entertainment and activities for all ages including cooking demonstrations with Hunter chefs, cheese and beer tastings plus market stalls. Entry is free (some events ticketed). For more information visit www.maitlandtaste.com.au

SATURDAY 12TH MARCH | A DAY ON THE GREEN WITH BRYAN ADAMS | Bimbadgen | Returning to the a day on the green stage for the first time since 2005, grammy-winning singer-songwriter Bryan Adams is back touring his new album Get Up, plus a host of old favourite tunes this month. Stellar support will be provided by Baby Animals and The Superjesus, fronted by two of the most charismatic women in Aussie rock in Suze DeMarchi and Sarah McLeod. Head to www.adayonthegreen.com.au for more information.

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H U N T E R V A L L E Y

What a busy month March is! As the temperatures become more comfortable and the evenings perfect for outdoor living, it’s no surprise that concerts, markets, annual special events and festivals are aplenty throughout the month. You’ll find out all about the huge variety of events taking place this month right here between the covers of our March Community issue.

On the concert front, we welcome Brian Adams, Baby Animals, Superjesus, Hoodoo Gurus, Violent Femmes and Sunnyboys to the picturesque Bimbadgen stage for two spectacular a day on the green concerts.

When it comes to Festivals, March is the month to enjoy some local festivals. The Bulga Beats festival showcases the local Broke community with a music, markets and arts festival run over two days and promising to provide entertainment for all ages while supporting sustainable local industries and businesses - it looks set to be a great day out!

Attracting over 15K visitors on an annual basis, the Maitland Taste: Food Wine & Music Festival is sure to tickle the tastebuds again this year. An all age’s event with a focus on showcasing locally grown produce, local chefs and market stalls, live entertainment including music and cooking demonstrations will be as abundant as the food and wine tastings throughout the weekend.

The Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival has become as synonymous with the historic town as the beautiful murals that adorn the buildings and public spaces. Celebrate the swinging 50’s and 60’s through rock n’ roll, fashion, dancing, vintage cars and retro gear across two days of fun-filled activities for all ages.

Markets are aplenty this month – with markets being held in Maitland, Broke and right here in Wine Country. Congratulations to Handmade in the Hunter Markets who will celebrate 5 years in the Hunter Valley next month with four markets in March followed by a birthday extravaganza market in April.

Of course, we would be remiss not to mention that it is Easter and a certain fluffy friend will be bouncing his way through the area delivering delightful chocolatey delicacies to kids big and small! Take your Teddy along to the Teddy Bears Picnic or take the kids along to the Giant Easter Egg Hunt at Hunter Valley Gardens – a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Speaking of Easter treats – if you’re looking for some Easter specials for your dining table, we've got you covered there as well with some Cellar Door sales throughout the long weekend.

From our family to yours we wish you a safe and restful Easter.

Enjoy!

FROM THE EDITORS

ContentsHIP HOORAY FOR HANDMADEWe talk to Handmade in the Hunter Markets founder Karen Rowe about the markets success and how they plan to celebrate the markets 5th Birthday!

MEET THE MAKERSWe meet the skillful local artisans who are responsible for creating the hand-made cheeses and chocolates that have been tempting the taste buds of locals and visitors for decades…

WHY WE LOVE LOVEDALE From its family-owned and award-winning wineries to the wide selection of boutique accommodation, restaurants and family activities, there is a lot to love about the area often referred to as the “Heart of the Hunter”!

CHOCOHOLICS GUIDE TO WINE COUNTRYJust in case you don’t consume enough chocolate over the Easter long weekend, we take a look at where chocoholics can get their fix in Wine Country!

CHARDONNAY MAKING A COMEBACK Chardonnay’s popularity peaked in the late 80’s and early 90’s before changing tastes lead to declining sales. But good news, Chardonnay is making a comeback!

HUNTER BLACKBOARD MAPThe Hunter Blackboard’s handy guide to finding your way around Wine Country.

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