“We loved being in the beautiful groves, meeting olive growers. They were so passionate about their olives and had so many clever ideas about using olive oil.” “Being able to pick olives myself, to take home and pickle, was fantastic.” This is what festivalgoers at last year’s inaugural Martinborough Olive Harvest told us in a post-festival survey.
The olive-themed Leisurely Lunches were especially popular, and everyone loved the community night market, with the Square all dressed up.
28-29 June will see the second festival take place around Martinborough. Earlybird tickets go on sale Monday 12 May at www.martinborougholivefestival.co.nz.
Leisurely Lunches (Saturday) and grove visits (mostly Sunday) are the festival’s core activities. Six groves will different things to see, do or taste, and it’s self-drive.
They are complemented by informal talks and demonstrations about the many health, nutritional, culinary and beauty benefits of olive oil. With thanks to the Lions Club, the Lion’s Den in Oxford Street will become Olive Festival HQ.
Our most famous blogger Jared (Moon Over Martinborough) returns for an updated reading and talk about his best-selling book. These events are open to festival ticket-holders with wristband ID only.
“Just over half the ticket-holders came from outside the Wairarapa,” said Martinborough Business Association Chairman Frank Cornelissen. The Association underwrites the event, with Sue McLeary as Event Manager.
“That was great, because the festival was about boosting mid-winter Martinborough, and promoting our olive oil producers. Homestays and hotels were busy, the shops did well and the cafes were simply heaving with visitors, especially after the market on Saturday night.
“There will be a lot more food available at the market this time, and some new olive grove participants. Planning has moved into high gear with details of the programme now available on the website, and Earlybird tickets going on sale 12 March.
“We anticipate another busy fun weekend celebrating the olive harvest. Like grapes, it’s an early season and groves will hold trees back especially for the festival. We encourage residents and weekenders to invite their friends over and join us for the festival,” he urged.
