28 January 2020
Palmerin Street was transformed into a sea of colour, people and mouth-watering smells as more than 4000 people flocked to Great Australian Bites on Australia Day. Even before the gates officially opened at 4pm, the crowds were flowing in, eager to snap up the best seats in front of the King Street stage. That turned out to be a wise decision because the calibre of the onstage performances throughout the night and the year-long buzz following the 2019 event meant seats were quickly snapped up!
A steaming hot summer’s day gave way to a beautiful evening, and food vendors were kept busy from the first moment to the last. On offer were such goodies as wood-fired pizza, smokehouse American BBQ, seafood paella, gourmet burgers, baked potatoes and so much more.
Kids were kept on their toes as well with the free jumping castle and face-painting offering a back-to-school reprieve.
The dance floor in front of the live music stage was packed throughout the entire evening with groovers of all ages ready to dance till they dropped. By the end of the night, many feet had bopped and shimmied along to the sweet tunes of local musicians Witch Doctor, The Fern Brothers and Sleeping Dogs. Headline acts Neil Murray (Warumpi Band) and Gold Chisel were solid highlights and kept the crowds enthralled with their skill and musical finesse.
Local wineries and breweries who set up shop to show off their wares were kept busy pouring their finest all night and the entire crowd enjoyed a happy, family-friendly vibe.
Once again, the grand old buildings that line Warwick’s main thoroughfare were lit up in a hypnotic display of colours and movement, drawing the crowds’ focus to the town’s unique history that often goes unnoticed during day-to-day activities.
From start to finish, Great Australian Bites 2020 was another successful community event with great live music, local food, wineries, breweries and the hordes of family and friends who came to catch up in a setting rarely seen on Warwick streets. Those who came are already buzzing with anticipation of Great Australian Bites 2021!