By TANIA PHILLIPS
FOOD, music, fashion and multicultural arts under the stars – Feast is coming to Fifth Avenue, Palm Beach.
The inaugural FEAST festival will be held from 6pm to 10pm on October 4.
An initiative of Divisional Councillor Daphne McDonald, the event will see Fifth Avenue (between the Gold Coast Highway and Cypress Terrace) be closed to traffic between 6pm-10pm to make way for the street party for foodies, friends, families and those seeking a fun-fuelled evening of entertainment.
Cr McDonald said it would be a first for Palm Beach and hopes locals and visitors alike come out and share the sights, sounds, tastes and aromas of this unique event.
“Local traders on Fifth Avenue are collaborating to create a carnival-style atmosphere, with food and entertainment that showcases the multicultural diversity and broad appeal of their Palm Beach location,” said Cr McDonald.
“Palm Beach has some of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants and FEAST will present the opportunity for people to venture from the northern Gold Coast and across the border to see what we have on offer here.
“Traders in the precinct are 100 per cent behind the event and it is great to see their excitement and enthusiasm building as the final program for FEAST nears completion,” she said.
On the night, tables and chairs will be set up throughout Fifth Avenue for al fresco dining and patrons can enjoy a range of family-friendly, free street entertainment.
Foodies can feast on cuisine from around the world from local restaurants and cafes including Pablo Pablo, Palm Beach Hotel Bistro, Kohinoor Indian Restaurant, My Giddy Aunt, Genki Cafe and Chill In Cafe. Buffet-style takeaway options will also be available from some dining venues.
The local traders are contributing significantly to the event; with Chill In Cafe hosting live art demonstrations by local custom art designer Kaitlin Hawkins and an up-and-coming fashion artist ‘Always on the Run’.
Adding to the multicultural flavour of the event will be belly dancers, sponsored by Kohinoor Indian Restaurant.
Drummers from the Kizuna Gold Coast Taiko Team Inc, regulars at multicultural festivals throughout Southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, will stage a dynamic and energising performance of their Japanese folk artistry.
Headlining on the main stage with be fiery flamenco and bohemian singer, Felicity Lawless and her band.
The outdoor stage will showcase the talents of Gold Coast duo, The Altais, featuring Tully John and Eliza-Jane.
For junior ‘feasties’, Pavilions Palm Beach will sponsor a range of entertaining kids’ activities, including face painting and balloon artistry.
Pavilions have also invited a much-loved pink pig in a red dress to come and meet the kids. Roving performers will add to the atmosphere with their own brand of family fun.
Thanks to the Fifth Avenue Florist, flower arrangement workshops will also be available for kids to participate in for a nominal charge.
Fashion and beauty are also on the menu at FEAST. Bonita Boutique will host a fashion parade showcasing their summer range.
The precinct’s two hair salons, Fifth Avenue Hair Design and Prima Hair and Beauty are both involved in the fashion parade and will also have special offers on hair and beauty packages.
Palm Beach Hotel, on the corner of the Gold Coast Highway and Fifth Avenue, is also joining in the FEAST with food specials and entertainment.
Liquorland will have a wine tasting display, and live cooking demonstrations will be provided by Coles, who are bringing along high-profile celebrity chef Andre Tabet to meet Palm Beach foodies.
The Loaf Bakery promises the aromas of freshly baking bread will add to the sensory sublimeness of FEAST.
Cr McDonald said it was decided to create the first FEAST precinct on a smaller scale to gauge its appeal to the local and broader Gold Coast market.
“We will be monitoring the success of the inaugural FEAST with a view to expanding the precinct to showcase Palm Beach traders and restaurateurs on a grander scale at future events,” Cr McDonald said
“Our vision is for all of Palm Beach to work together on one all-encompassing multicultural food and arts event if this first event is well received.”
“Our Palm Beach-style fusion of food and multicultural entertainment could become one of the Gold Coast’s most popular events and I encourage everyone to come along and experience the charm and atmosphere that makes Palm Beach such a special place to visit,” added the Division 13 Councillor.
FEAST DETAILS: When: Friday 4 October
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Where: 5th Avenue Palm Beach (road closure between Gold Coast Highway and Cypress Terrace).
