A TASTE FOR TASSIE

Big band, parade adds to party flavour

THIS year’s revamped Taste of Tasmania opens today with a New Orleans-style big band and parade.

The grand opening, a first for the Taste, aims to set the scene for seven days of spectacle.

The party feel will be turned up a notch by the weather, with a top of 28C forecast for the 29th Taste of Tasmania at Princes Wharf 1.

Between 230,000 and 250,000 people are expected at this year’s festival, which has been given an overhaul by director Brooke Webb.

Ms Webb said the festival was so full and fresh it deserved a grand opening, with a civic parade and 12-piece big band from 10.30am.

“It’s going to be a big opening ceremony … and the crowd will be amongst the action,” she said.

A large horse pinata has taken prime position on the Taste lawns, ready to inject colour and energy into the opening.

An army of festival workers were yesterday putting the final touches on the Taste.

Lord Mayor Sue Hickey said this year’s Taste was going to be “breathtaking”.

“We’ve added colour, spectacle and pizzazz,” she said.

The 2m papier-mache horse pinata is one of the centrepiece installations at the Tasting Corner on the lawns, which has been themed around the colour and energy of Mexico.

Ald Hickey said the spectacle would be a huge attraction for children.

“We hope lots of kids come up and give it a big hug and a kiss, or just stand there in awe.

“It’s colourful and representative of the new-look Taste.”

Ald Hickey said the pinata was not intended to be burst open, but it would do “something special” at the close of the seven-day festival.

Almost every part of this year’s Taste has been given a makeover.

The main shed has been decorated with dangling parasols that look like giant cocktail umbrellas dancing in the breeze.

The waterside seating area is a dazzling salute to the yachties coming into Hobart, with 3km of maritime flags zigzagging over tables.

The former “Paddock” at the back of the Taste is being transformed into an Atrium that is a wonderland of flowers and light.

Ms Brooke said she wanted to ditch the “beer hall vibe” of the old space and turn it into a delicate sensory experience.