Renowned Tasmanian produce a highlight of winter festival menu

Image credit: Natalie Mendham

Pork and cider are a match made in heaven and so it seems to be the case for one of Tasmania’s most successful foodies and a unique winter festival.

Gourmet Farmer television star Matthew Evans is again gearing up his little red Fat Pig caravan to attend next month’s Huon Valley Mid Winter Festival and is encouraging Tassie food fans to do the same.

Thousands of people have already bought tickets to the event at Willie Smith’s The Apple Shed, which features some of Tasmania’s finest food and beverage producers as well as pagan-inspired music and entertainment.

Matthew Evans has been a regular stall holder at the event, being held from July 14 – 16, after attending the inaugural festival as a visitor.

“We first came as guests, and loved it, and wanted to be more of a part of it,” Matthew recalls.

“Now we park our little red Fat Pig caravan and get to enjoy the vibe of the festival from both sides.”

Matthew’s van will be joined by the likes of Spotty Dog Brewery, Coal River Farm, Home Hill Winery, Cake Kombi, Alfred Gough Pies, Church Hill Brewery, and Ramona’s as the festival shines a light on the best hand-crafted Tasmanian produce available.

“We’ll be doing Aunty Dot’s savoury mince and mash again, which was pretty damn popular last year – though not with the staff – have you seen how hard it is to wash up mashed potato pans?” Matthew quips.

“We’ll also be doing our slow-roasted Italian style pork buns, along with a pretty exceptional macaroni cheese, poshed up with lots of crisped smoky speck to add a more warming feel.”

Matthew says the success of the festival is a tribute to the hardiness of the Huon Valley locals, the imagination of those at Willie Smith’s, and the history of cider production from the UK.

The core of the festival will remain the ancient pagan tradition of “Wassailing’, with Morris Dancers to lead the way in waking up the dormant apple trees and scare away evil spirits, encouraging a fruitful harvest.

As a national television star and well-respected author, Matthew has been to plenty of food festivals in his time – but he says there is something truly special about the Huon Valley Mid Winter Festival that has to be seen to be believed.

“Our son is mesmerised by the burning man, a highlight of his and our winter calendar,” Matthew says.

“It is great that we don’t have to hideaway in winter – we can get out and celebrate who we are, where we live, and the drinks and food that make this place great.

“It’s also pretty remarkable to be part of a festival that actually welcomes Morris dancers, rather than just putting up with them!”

For more details about the festival and the food on offer during the three day event, or to book tickets, see the website.

Tickets: www.huonvalleymidwinterfest.com.au

Krystal Cox, Festival Manager