Armidale Regional Council Mayor Ian Tiley was joined by Member for the Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall to officially launch the inaugural Big Chill Beer and Barbeque Festival that is set to be Armidale's next big tourist drawcard for years to come.
The over 18's festival will be held on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th of May at Civic Park, and will host a range of breweries and butchers from all over the state, along with barbeque cook – offs and some well-known musical acts yet to be announced.
The new annual event is set to cement Armidale as a tourist hotspot and will put the region's frosty Winter and unique Autumn leaves on display.
Cr. Tiley said after the tough year everyone has had, the festival will be the perfect way for people from near and far to come and chill out with a frosty beer and a hearty meal.
"The cooler months are such a beautiful time of year for our region, so we thought this is the time we'll just own it and celebrate who we are and what we have. The Big Chill Festival embraces this, and will showcase the quality products that the Armidale region has to offer as we turn up the heat with the return of live music," said Cr. Tiley.
"Winter is coming, and what better way to mark the occasion than by chilling out with a locally brewed craft beer and a hearty barbeque meal all while enjoying some brilliant entertainment."
Not only will there be a variety of craft beer, boutique wine, and street - food stalls, there will also be barbeque cook – off competitions on both days.
"The Steak Cook – off Association competition will be happening on the Saturday, along with the Australasian Barbeque Alliance competition on the Sunday," said Cr. Tiley.
"There will be several different barbequing categories, and anyone can register."
If eating is more your thing, for a $35 fee you can register to be a judge where you will taste all of the mouth-watering creations and help choose the Big Chill BBQ Champion.
"If you fancy yourself as a barbeque connoisseur, you can register your interest in being a judge or enter the competition through the Big Chill website," said Cr. Tiley.
Cr. Tiley said while it is expected to be a huge event, there will be COVID-19 restrictions in place to keep everyone safe.
"We understand COVID-19 has interfered with a number of events that we would normally hold, however, we have rectified this issue by making The Big Chill ticketed to ensure numbers are controlled at all times," said Cr. Tiley
"Tickets are $25 for the whole weekend, or $15 for Sunday only entry, and can be purchased online via Eventbrite, with the proceeds set to go towards next year's event."
