By Jacob Stern
March into Merivale returns for a seventh time this year, and will run from the 23 February until the 29 March. With tickets on sale, guests can plan to enjoy an array of eating, drinking and entertainment experiences, spread across five weeks.
Merivale food and beverage director Frank Roberts said this year's festival will move beyond food and wine to showcase the diversity of Merivale as a "lifestyle company”.
The launch party on Wednesday February 25 will serve as one of the marquee events of the festival, with crowds already estimated at more than 3000 across more than twenty Merivale establishments throughout the city.
For those more inclined to the sea than the city, Merivale’s new jewel, the Coogee Pavilion, will play host to the Coogee Foreshore Festival on Sunday March 15 . Supported by ANZ, the Pavilion’s ground floor will be turned into a marketplace of food and drink stalls, while the games area will welcome children of all ages with face painting and magicians.
Each night of the festival will offer a different theme; Monday Detox, Tuesday Date Night, Wednesday Showcase, Savoir-Fair Thursday and Friday Surprise. These nights will be accompanied by pop-up surprises and interactive experiences scattered around various locations in the city.
For Merivale CEO, Justin Hemmes, March into Merivale is a chance to “show you how to live larger every day of the week as food, wine, adventure and surprises explode together in over 50 amazing events”.
The catchphrase of this year’s festival is ‘Eat. Sip. Celebrate.’ and Roberts told TheShout he is looking forward to “the creation of one-off moments that people can’t get anywhere else”, in a program dedicated to ensuring unforgettable experiences.