The Taste of Manly, self-described as “the pinnacle of Many’s food, drink and music culture” each May, has been shelved for 2024 following strong criticism of its 2023 event.
The event, usually held over a weekend in late May, showcased a number of products from local alcohol and food businesses and has been popular year on year. In 2023, however, it was heavily criticised for changes made to meet more stringest licensing conditions. Last year fencing had to be put up around the entire event and long queues formed as bag and ID checks were worked through. Dogs were also disallowed.
“Instead of representing the openness and relaxed vibe of Manly, it was more like a stalag,” one attendee wrote of the event last year.
“There was a plethora of security guards and barriers… with no access pathways. People were queuing to get in and those with dogs on leads weren’t allowed in at all. Organisers should revert to the previous set up which allowed freedom of movement… on the plus side, the bands were great.”
Mayor Sue Heins agreed that while there was some positive feedback, “many in the community expressed disappointment.”
Mayor Heins said Council needed to look at ways to make it work while meeting its legal obligations. It wasn’t going to happen in time for this year’s event.
“Many in the community expressed disappointment.”
“Taste of Manly is a much-loved event which has had to adapt over time to meet more stringent licencing requirements including fencing off the area and bag and identification checks.
“While the event has received some positive feedback over the last two years, many in the community expressed disappointment about the necessary changes. This year we are reviewing how we can best run the event in the future to meet our regulatory obligations while also meeting community expectations.”
A broader month-long festival of food and wine, ‘Taste of the Beaches’ will proceed however, but the focus will be on providing experiences at existing venues. Expressions of Interest are now open but there are no grants this year.
Mayor Sue Heins said Taste of the Beaches was run with great success in 2021 and 2022, attracting locals and visitors to food and beverage businesses during a traditionally quieter period.
“Taste of the Beaches promises to showcase the best on the Beaches with unique experiences offered by local cafes, restaurants and breweries,” Mayor Heins said.
“The festival celebrates our area as a destination for incredible food and wine, craft beer and coffee while supporting local businesses to platform their unique fare.”
“We had almost 40 venues participate from Manly to Palm Beach in 2022 and I am hopeful we’ll see as many or more come on board for the 2024 program.”
Businesses interested in being involved in Taste of the Beaches are encouraged to learn more and apply here.
Program details will likely be released mid April.
General information about Taste of the Beaches is available on Council’s website.
