THE state government is spending $110,000 on Mornington peninsula tourism events, including this year’s Devilbend Trail Run, Peninsula VineHop Festival, Taste of Sorrento and The Big Knit.
Eastern Victoria MP Tom McIntosh said the events would go ahead thanks to the government’s small and medium events program.
Taste of Sorrento returned after a seven-year hiatus, reimagined into a month-long festival. It aims to celebrate and promote all that Sorrento and the peninsula have to offer in gourmet produce, wine, bespoke spirits, craft beers and cider.
The event is aimed at promoting off peak winter visitors to Sorrento, as well as residents and holiday home owners. The new model aims to have every business involved in some way.
The Peninsula VineHop Festival is set to run in November over eight venues, including a new hub at Hastings foreshore, but organiser Kelly Ross said events and festivals could only survive if people supported them.
“We’re thrilled to now have a venue on the western side of the peninsula, and we think this is something people and tourism businesses want and need,” she said.
“We are doing everything we can to ensure the long-term viability of VineHop, so it’s great to get the news out there are show people what we have on the peninsula.”
Along with the new venue, this year’s festival – the sixth – will feature 40 beverage brands, including eight new craft beers.
The state government money – part of a $3 million package across greater Melbourne – aims to help organisers cover event costs, including venue hire, performer fees, staffing and marketing.
The Small and Medium Events Program supports cultural, sporting and creative events.
McIntosh said the money was a “huge win” for the peninsula.
“These events will attract more visitors to the area, which is fantastic news for local businesses,” he said.
First published in the Frankston Times – 1st August 2023