Narrabri will be the exciting epicentre of great regional food, wine – and home brew – on Saturday.

With a huge variety of regular, and many first time exhibitors, thousands of people are expected to visit the North West’s fantastic food and wine festival, the biennial Nosh Narrabri.

And the Nosh has taken Narrabri’s name far and wide.

“We are advertising on television from the Gold Coast to Dubbo,” said Nosh committee president Darrell Tiemens.

“Everyone will have heard of Narrabri and the Nosh. It is a very positive image for our town and shire.”

Mr Tiemens said Nosh Narrabri was an ‘all of community event’ which was supported not only by its volunteer committee but also a ‘small army’ of helpers, contributors and sponsors.

“At a time when other similar festivals are struggling, we have great support from the Narrabri Shire Council, the NSW Government, large corporate and small business sponsors, community groups, clubs and individuals,” he said.

Now the scene is set, marquees are being erected and organisers are confident that a new attendance record could be set on Saturday.

The setting up of marquees and stalls is underway at The Crossing Theatre as the Nosh nears, the culmination of planning and commitment by the band of volunteers on the committee, supported by local sponsors and helpers.

Nosh president Darrell Tiemens and his volunteer committee have invited the community to the free event in the grounds of The Crossing Theatre.

The Saturday Nosh and evening music concert, Nosh On, will be a great opportunity for people to enjoy a community get together and perhaps put aside drought worries for a day.

Nosh Narrabri is a community celebration of the region’s best food and beverages. And Australian and world class events are highlighted at the Nosh this year.

“We believe we have the world’s biggest cheesecake competition and we have the Australian regional home brew championships” said Mr Tiemens.

Nosh is the one of the biggest regional events in the North West.

“It is great for the whole Narrabri Shire community” said Tourism Manager Penny Jobling.

Australian and world class events are highlighted at Nosh Narrabri this year.

“We genuinely believe we have the world’s biggest cheesecake contest, The Great Australian Cheesecake Competition, and we stage the Australian Regional Home Brew championships” said Mr Tiemens.

Nosh is the one of the biggest regional events in the North West.

The food and wine expo features three major competitions and 40 exhibitors showcasing food and beverages from across the region and the creators who grow or make them, from locally-produced fish and yabbies and marinated sun-dried tomatoes, to gourmet handmade cookies and Australia’s only agave spirit.

“Sample a superfood latte, snack on a delicious almond croissant, and select your favourite jams, chutneys, marmalades, sauces, oils, relishes and pickles to take home” invites Nosh Narrabri committee president Darrell Tiemens.

The Nosh daytime event features exhibitors and stallholders selling a wide range of regional produce, and a night concert, ‘Nosh On, featuring talented local musicians and vocalists. 

‘Nosh On’ Night concert, starting at 6.30, will see a host of Narrabri-based musicians and vocalists – and fireworks.

Local bands West and Public and the Three Legged Pig Dogs will headline, supported by local performers Sarah Leete, Layten Smith and Lauren Brown.

“The Nosh On concert is completely family friendly, with people of all ages encouraged to attend” said Mr Tiemens. 

“Bring your picnic rug, warm blankets, gloves and a beanie, and enjoy a fantastic night of live music, hot food and cold beer and wine under the stars.”

A feature of the Nosh will be the Great Australian Cheesecake Competition with senior and junior sections for baked and unbaked entries. 

This was one of the most popular of the events in 2017. 

Judges  are Katrina White, Ricky Mason, Rhys Gard, Edwina Reid, Janice Smith and Geoff Woodham. See the Nosh Narrabri website for entry details.

The Australian Regional Homebrew Championships are back to celebrate Australia’s best regional homebrewers.

The inaugural championships revealed a high standard, equal to the best craft beers made anywhere, judges and samplers agreed.

Brewers will be competing for seven prizes in several categories including pale ale/Pacific ale, pilsener/lager and stout/porter/dark, with an overall champion’s prize. The homebrew winners will take home a share in prizes valued at over $2400.  

Judges for the Australian Regional Homebrew Championships are Stuart Tighe, Anthony Rogers and Cameron Staines.

The event will be under the baton of MC Rob Dugdale.

This year the Nosh Cook Off barbcue event will pit local farmers against each other.

Cotton growers Paul and Laura Lehmann, cattle farmers Cody and Samantha Huff, sheep producers Jon and Claire Welsh, and grain growers Tim White and Shaun Tucker will contest the Cook Off.   

Judges for the Cook Off are Carla Baxter, Rhys Gard and Will Childs.

Visitors to Nosh Narrabri will be able to obtain a schedule and guide to exhibitors, but some of the highlights include: 

• 9.30-11am: Kids’ sports activities with Jake Packer – JSP Development.

• 12-5pm: Face painting with Heidi Gleeson.

• 12-4.30pm: balloons with Jenny Campbell

• 1-5pm: Grins and Giggles photo booth

• 2pm: Cooking demonstration, ‘Whipped – Baking with Allergies’ with Nicole Gordon.

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