Raise your glass to Pyrmont Festival

The fabulous Pyrmont Festival is a celebration of all the things that matter – food, wine, art, fun with friends, and life. 

There’s nothing more merry in the month of May than to sit with a glistening glass of wine under an Autumn sun, snacking on delicious fare to the beat of soft jazz and looking out across an aquamarine harbour. And there is nowhere else you can do all this and more than at Sydney’s favourite food and wine event, Pyrmont Festival. 

For more than a decade, the stunning foreshore of Pirrama Park has been the setting for this huge, family-friendly cultural festival, and the 2023 edition promises to be bigger and better.

“The Star has been a proud supporter of the Pyrmont Wine & Food Festival for over a decade. As this year’s platinum partner and stallholder, we are excited to showcase some of the local produce our fabulous chefs use every day,” says Jason Alcock, The Star Sydney’s General Manager of Food & Beverage.

Pyrmont Festival brings the very best in produce and culinary offerings from businesses throughout the precinct together with boutique wine, beer, and spirit makers around the state in an harmonious celebration of country and city. 

“We’ve got 15 wineries and wine selectors this year – more than at any other previous festival. There are three major wine regions from around NSW being represented – Orange, Mudgee, and Hunter Valley,” says Alex Gibbs, Pyrmont Festival Director. “They’re all going to bring wine that you can taste and buy, and what’s really great is you can talk to the actual wine makers and ask questions and get advice.”

Among the wineries is Savannah Estate, named after Savannah Peterson of the famous Peterson wine family. The Petersons are legend in the Hunter Valley, making wine since 1982, and passing the skill down through generations. Savannah is the daughter of Colin Peterson who, together with his parents Ian and Shirley founded Peterson House which is now renowned not only for its wines, but as a destination. 

Savannah was introduced to the magic of squeezing nectar of the Gods out of a grape while she was still very young and she grew to embrace the craft with a passion. After a few years living in Ireland, Savannah returned to Australia and though she now lives in Sydney, she is still very much part of the family business. An integral part of the newly formed events team, Savannah introduces the Hunter Valley experience of her wines to Sydney-siders at food and wine events. 

“The Pyrmont Festival is one of the cornerstone events for us as a business”, says Savannah. “It’s such a beautiful, picturesque location, and with so much great food, drink and entertainment on offer, it is a great way for us to engage with our followers and have them tasting our latest releases along with old favourites. We can’t wait to see as many new and familiar faces as possible down at Pirrama Park.”

In addition to the 15 wineries there will be three breweries pouring their bespoke brews inside the popular beer garden. Willie The Boatman, The Grifter Brewing Co and Yulli’s Brews will all have their kegs and taps, bottle and tinnies behind the bar. 

Round out the palate afterwards with a sharp, spicy spirit from Brookie’s Byron Gin. This Byron Bay distiller is clearing some shelf-space for itself in the gin market with some delicious and unique blends. 

Wine, beer and spirit all go best with food and the best food will be available at Pyrmont Festival. Sydney Fish Market will be hosting the ever-popular Cheeky Naked Oyster Bar serving freshly shucked oysters and juicy prawns. They’ll also host the Japanese Aburi Bar where you can pick up mouth-watering blow-torched cheesy scallops. 

Eleven different food trucks and stands will be stationed in the park, offering a variety of cuisines and types of meals including paella, yum cha, pizza, fried chicken, gozleme, burgers and more, as well as yummy desserts and coffee. 

You can also pick up gourmet deli produce to take home: hand-made salami, biltong, cheeses, conserves and sauces, olives, tea, and a whole lot more. 

Kids, of course, are welcome and there’ll be plenty to keep them entertained including a jumping castle, oversized games, face painting, and the magnificently decadent Build A Brownie Bar (where there will no doubt be quite a few “big kids”). 

As ever, the Pyrmont Art Prize entries will be on display in a pop-up gallery. The popular prize, hosted by TAP Gallery, attracts loads of participants each year – professionals, beginners and everyone in between. 

If you want to test your skills with a brush or just want to have an outdoor wine and canvas experience, take one of the fun Painting in the Park classes led by TAP Gallery’s own Lesley Dimmick.

Popular Pyrmont artist, Jane Bennett will be exhibiting and selling her gorgeous paintings of local industrial and historical scenes from around Pyrmont. 

Apart from the buzz emanating from the excited crowds, there’ll be a vibrant soundtrack of soul, blues and sweet tunes care of a curated line-up of local talent. Jo Fabro (soul and blues), Pyrmont Sings (community choir), Gabriel Showren, Jessica and Aidan (urban folk), and Crown Jewel (RnB, soul) will play on either of the two stages at opposite ends of the park: the Harbour View Stage and the Sunset Stage.

The two-day festival in Pirrama Park is accessible to all and very easy to get to by public transport. Four-footed friends are welcome if they’re on leads. 

Best of all, entry to the event is FREE. 

May 6 – 7,  11am – 5pm  

Pirrama Park, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

www.pyrmontfestival.com.au