Kyabram’s main street transforms into culinary wonderland at Tastes and Tunes festival

By Chloe Newnham

Feb 6, 2024

Nearly 5000 people filled the main street of Kyabram for the spectacular Tastes and Tunes festival on Saturday night.

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Allan St was a sea of smiling faces as attendees gathered in the late afternoon and into the evening to enjoy delicious array of food and drink from Kyabram cafes, restaurants and local food vans.

Activities such as face painting, a silent disco and a bucking bull kept everyone entertained while musical acts Stumbling North, Baker Boys Band and Indi Gilmore thrilled the crowds with covers of famous songs and tunes of their own.

Spider senses: Flynn, 6, and Vonda Meloni enjoying themselves. Photo by Chloe Newnham

Ms Gilmore said, “I’m enjoying myself”.

Stumbling North band member Mark Peterson couldn’t speak highly enough of the event.

“We were blown away on Saturday,” he said.

“What an amazing event, and it was so well organised and supported by the entire community.

“The atmosphere was great, the street looked amazing, and everyone involved should be very proud.

“We think this event will only get bigger and better.”

Great vibe: Music was front and centre at Tastes and Tunes. Photo by Chloe Newnham

While the temperature hovered around 35°C, organisers moved stalls and stands under the shade provided by trees and shop verandahs to provide respite for vendors and attendees alike.

“I thought it was really successful,” Amelia Pulsoni, who was working the Kyabram Plaza Theatre stand, said.

“I like seeing everyone out.”

Tears of joy: A happy face brightens up the roundabout. Photo by Chloe Newnham

Alison Walsh of The Gift wasn’t surprised to see so many locals out and about.

“The community always supports us,” she said.

“Well done to the Tastes and Tunes community.”

Attendees were full of praise for the organisers, who had set out 80 tables and 800 chairs and hired two stages for the festival.

“They have done an amazing job,” Jaclyn Wickham said.

“Congratulations to the team. The kids are having fun.”

Treats on sale: Lisa Ratcliffe, Patricia Worsfold, Di O’Dwyer, Luke Matton, Hugh Cunningham and Alison and Amelia Pulsoni at the Kyabram Plaza Theatre stand. Photo by Chloe Newnham

Volunteer Tania Chiswell said she and her fellow organisers were grateful for others pitching in.

“A special mention to the many family and friends of the committee who helped with so many things leading up to and on the night,” she said.

“We had grandparents there setting up tables, the kids loading the chairs at the end of the night, partners picking up fences and fake grass.”

Kept busy: Philippa Marshall, Katherine Liddell and Debbie and Gary Kitt in front of Healthy Tummies Pantry. Photo by Chloe Newnham

And Ms Chiswell was quick to share the praise for an event well run.

“To the Kyabram community, you made the event a success,” she said.

“We cannot thank you enough.

“Your support leading up to the event on our socials is greatly appreciated — all the shares, comments and likes really help us get the word out there.

“We also know so many of you reached out to family and friends from outside the Kyabram community and invited them along to the event.

“Chatting to so many people who were told by a friend that they must come this year was so lovely.

“Thank you all for your support.

Friends and family: Ayden and Kerrie Shepherd, Jessica Newnham and Rob and Jo Backway were happy to catch up. Photo by Chloe Newnham

“Thank you to the committee of Anna Fitzgerald, Tania Chiswell, Karyn Grealy, Sam Barnard, Robina Graetz, Carmen Nicholson, Jess Halstead, Alicia Cunningham, Lauren Bennett, Lee Carmody and Declan Napier; we have all absolutely lived and breathed Tastes and Tunes for the past few months.

“We are lucky to have some amazing people in our community who are happy to step up.”