The 15th Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair expected to draw largest crowd ever

Known as the Hunter’s best street party, the festival is a day of sensory overload with local wines, beers and ciders and a variety of fabulous food available, entertainment for the kids, an intense woodchopping competition and hours upon hours of music.  

It’s the 15th anniversary for the UHWFA and, as for the past three years, tickets have been available at the Denman Post Office.

Post office manager Merry Freeman said ticket sales had sold like “hot cakes” during the week.

“It’s especially handy for locals because it saves lining up for one on the day,” Mrs Freeman said.

“The day is looking like a cracker weather-wise and organisers are expecting about 7500 to 8000 people.”

Kicking off the festivities is Friday’s annual Bush Poets Evening where Denman’s Tammy Roberts and David Rowe will join the likes of bush poets Jack Drake and Bill Kearns - also known as the 'Master of Bull' – as well as singers Bob Brinkley, Mackenzie Pringle, Jacob Woodruff and Hayley Parker.

The annual poets evening is presented by the Lions Club of Denman at the RSL and raises money for various causes with this year’s funds going towards the town’s local production, The Denman News.

Unfortunately there are only 170 tickets available and as usual they are all but sold out.

For Tammy Roberts it’s just the second time she has performed her own poetry in public.

“I’m looking forward to it and I’m nervous but excited about the opportunity,” Ms Roberts said. 

UHWFA organiser Troy Jones said Denman had already “come to life” and would become a busy place by the time the weekend rolls around.

“I guarantee this will be one of the best Saturdays you will have this year,” Mr Jones said.

“There is so much going on in the Upper Hunter this weekend. 

“Come out and enjoy what is by far the biggest Upper Hunter Wine and Food Affair to date, be proud and enjoy what we have to offer right here in our very own backyard.”