Portland’s inaugural Hooked on Portland festival attracted more than 10,000 people to the region including international tourists, booking out accommodation, adding more than $2 million to the local economy over three days.
Visitors from as far as Sydney travelled to Portland for the Australia Day long weekend festivities which were headlined by the Pierce Brothers, with cooking demonstrations and a fishing competition.
Glenelg Shire Council Mayor, Anita Rank said the festival was a huge success after positive praise from the community.
“The town was absolutely buzzing at the weekend as people overflowed from the festival into the township. We are extremely excited to say Hooked on Portland is locked in to return in 2019.”
Mayor Rank said Saturday was the busiest day of the festival with people enjoying Hooked on Portland either down at the foreshore, on board one of the many tours offered or taking part in the fishing competition.
“It was a very exciting day down at the foreshore on Saturday with the Triple J Hottest 100, Youth Zone, fishing talks from celebrity fishermen Aaron Habgood and cooking demos from MasterChef’s Eliza Wilson and Sam Goodwin.
“The Foodie Marquee was packed to the rafters the entire day with cooking demonstrations from MasterChefs and local chefs, as well as a filleting display from Reel Adventures’ Aaron Habgood.”
Mayor Rank said the Hooked on Portland Fishing Competition played a large role in the success of the weekend with more than 180 registered competitors vying for $3000 in cash prizes.
The festivalgoers congregated on the foreshore on Saturday night where they were treated to a sensational line-up of performers on the main stage.
“The Pierce Brothers were incredible and absolutely rocked their set with their entertaining antics all night. They had the entire crowd on their feet dancing the whole time. It was the perfect ending to a fun day.
“After a very successful weekend in Portland, we are excited to say Hooked on Portland will be back bigger and better next year.”
