After a three-year absence due to COVID-19, the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival returned on Sunday, November 12, with a massive turnout of more than 20,000 people.
“We were absolutely stunned with the community support for our festival,” Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Event Co-ordinator Debra Wales said.
“It is estimated that more than 20,000 people streamed into Lions Park at Woy Woy to enjoy the food, entertainment and art and craft.
“The Lions Park venue turned out to be a massive success with plenty of room for all the activities and the huge crowd that filled the park and surrounds.
“The beautiful park on the waterfront was a magnificent setting for the food and wine festival and tasting the famous Sydney Rock oysters grown locally right here on Central Coast with 3,000 dozen consumed in quick time.
“We thank Hawkesbury River Shed and Davo’s Seafood for supplying the oysters, bearing in mind they had a week of closure on the river due to heavy rain.
“It’s always a ‘mother nature game’ for our local farmers but these two oyster suppliers didn’t let us down.”
Wales said it was the festival’s 23rd year.
“Every year it has grown larger and more successful thanks to the support of our local community and all the visitors who come to the event, many for the first time,” she said.
“Of course the event would not be possible without our sponsors and we are very grateful for their support.
“Jenifer Green from G’day Hollywood Productions did a great job with live on-stage entertainment including country music band Pure Nashville and rock band Pub Crawl.
“Proving forever popular, 24 contestants lined up for the How Many Oysters Can You Eat in 30 Seconds competition, with the winner consuming 20 oysters.
“The community should be very proud for supporting this Peninsula event which showcases many local talents such as Glampton Shells, who recycles oyster shells into beautiful bespoke creations; we’re very proud of them.”