Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
A seafood sensation awaits
Picture it. You’re soaking up the Marlborough sun and the good vibes with friends and family, while a feast of succulent seafood tempts; what to choose!
Music drifts from the stage, a backdrop to the culinary maestros and expert shuckers alike who are demonstrating their respective prowesses to admiring onlookers.
Sound like a bit of you? Well, this is what you can expect on Saturday March 16 at the Havelock Mussel & Seafood Festival, at Havelock Memorial Park.
From 10am to 6pm, you will experience an unparalleled seafood extravaganza; a treasured tradition that captures the very spirit of a Marlborough summer.
This, the 20th festival in the picturesque gateway to the Marlborough Sounds, was born in 2004 out of a humble appreciation for the Greenshell Mussel.
This remarkable milestone means festival-goers will enjoy a celebration like no other. Here’s just a taste of what’s on the menu for you:
• Mussel competitions: Prepare for a culinary clash as mussel shuckers from far and wide take on reigning champions Talleys Team.
• Live cooking demonstrations: Culinary maestros take the stage, including Zennon Wijlens and experts from Marlborough Oysters, Mills Bay Mussels and NZ King Salmon.
• Te Pūkenga Festival Chef Cooking Competition:
Aspiring young chefs and seasoned home cooks of
all ages showcase their culinary talents, creating delightful dishes from versatile NZ King Salmon and Greenshell Mussels.
• Family-friendly activities: From engaging exhibits to face painting, and the NIWA Kids Zone, families can enjoy a day of fun and feasting.
• Entertainment: Hollie Smith, Lost Tribe Aotearoa, Brad Staley, Eclectic Fix, JOLA BURNS and the Queen Charlotte College kapahaka group will delight.
• VIP: An R18 VIP area with complimentary seafoodinspired food, luxury amenities, and a private bar.
• A Twilight Seafood Cruise on Friday night into Keneperu Sound with a selection of delicious seafood and the best views of the Sounds at sunset.