Established in 2011, Sample was created to promote the vast array of unique and creative qualities that has resulted in Northern NSW becoming the nation’s epicenter of incredible food and a destination for extraordinary culinary experiences. Our subtropical climate, fertile countryside and clean oceans alongside a creative, community & sustainability minded region is the perfect climate to inspire proud farmers & innovators.
Our festival goers not only have a discerning palette but are passionate about supporting the region’s incredible entrepreneurs and investing in quality, local produce at a time when food miles are really starting to matter.
With the local produce industry showing an annual growth rate of 30%, ever-increasing shelf space designated for local produce and chefs pushing culinary boundaries, the one day event offers a perfect opportunity to market your products the public and industry alike.
This year’s event will again take place in the larger ring at the showgrounds. This also allows additional space and wider walkways for people to move freely through the festival. There will be ample onsite parking and additional curated spaces to be enjoyed in a comfortable and relaxed environment. The attendance fee remains at $5 with those under 16 free of charge to ensure the audience spend is mainly within the festival itself - which feeds directly back into our community.
"Sample Food Festival is the premier food event in northern New South Wales. It is a celebration of the best produce and food products grown and created in the region" - Ben Franklin MLC – parliamentary address
TASTING PLATES – YOUR SPOT AT THE FESTIVAL!
The Restaurant Marquees will operate from 8am till 4pm, giving visitors the opportunity to sample the delights on offer from 25+ of our top chefs and their teams, with a signature $5, $10 & $15 tasting plate available from each restaurant (one of each or only one price bracket if you prefer).
THE GOLDEN FORK AWARD
Each restaurant stall can enter a tasting plate for the Golden Fork Award, judged by our team of guest judges. This year we will offer BEST Sweet & BEST Savory category however each stall can only enter one category.
LIFESTYLE STALLHOLDERS
From 8am to 4pm over 150 stallholders will be selling a range of packaged food products, artisan breads and cheeses, hot and cold beverages, as well as home wares, fashion, gifts and accessories. NB Cooked or cold plated food items or alcohol, cannot be sold to the public in this area.
COVID SAFETY
The event will be adhering to the current public health order and at this time although check-ins, masks and a safety plan are no longer required we will be implementing health and safety measures to ensure our patrons have a comfortable event experience. Please make sure you comply with the latest requirements https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/rules
COUNCIL PERMITS & SAMPLING
Any stall selling food of any description will require a Council Permit ( NB Byron have introduced a heavily discounted single day permit for businesses not trading at markets throughout the year - permit info here; You will find the permit registration forms info at this link: https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Council/Forms-and-certificates/Application-Form-Directory/Temporary-Food-Premises (both forms to be filled out; the ‘one-off event’ is the first of the options)
And any food permit enquiries, please contact PES@byron.nsw.gov.au
See MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION OF A TEMPORARY FOOD STALL at the end of this form.
Food businesses - Byron Shire Council (nsw.gov.au)
Byron Council have introduced an inspection fee for any stalls selling food or drinks within the shire which is $30 plus GST for any food or beverage site.
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The music stage and roaming performers will be included as well as a series of workshops & cook offs.
BAR AREA
Our designated bar area will offer up an array of Alcoholic and non-Alcoholic beverages from our regions and will operate for the duration of the festival.
VIP AREA
A new VIP area will be introduced within and around the Moller Pavilion. The area will feature a bar, tables and seating, as well
as an area for selected vendors to showcase their products. Expressions of
interests for vendors are now open. The gardens have a lovely view over the Sample circle and the
entertainment and cooking stage. There is plenty of shade provided.
TOWARDS ZERO WASTE
We are very passionate about reducing the tourism food waste and year on year we have halved our waste footprint, as such we ask that all packaging be compostable or reusable. We can help you source alternative solutions to meet our waste goal. Byron Council have implemented a no single use packaging rule across their venues so we are working closely this year to work through this framework and we will be in touch with more info in the coming weeks.
NB Single use plastic bags, cups, cutlery, straws are banned currently however we can put you in touch with local companies offering compostable solutions in these areas!
The showground is a Byron Shire Council (BSC) venue. Further to regulations regarding Single Use Plastic, there might be some regulations regarding reusable initiatives. We are working with BSC to find most affordable and efficient solutions and we will keep you informed here.
