Street party surprise in Pair’d Margaret River food, wine and music festival program launch

A major street party in the heart of Margaret River will headline this year’s reimagined Gourmet Escape. With the old festival consigned to the history books, Pair’d Margaret River will fill the November event’s slot as part of a completely revised and renewed approach to showcasing the region’s food and drink offerings led by on-the-ground organisers from Ahoy Management. The crew behind Cabin Fever are working under major events companies Mellen Events and Sydney’s We Are Gather, the agency started by former Escape co-ordinator Hannah Pike. Exclusive details provided to the Times this week included the street party as well as numerous fixtures as part of the festival’s commitment to blending food and wine with music. The street party on Sunday, November 17, will showcase Margaret River’s main strip in a way few have managed so far, despite promises such festivities would be a drawcard for the town’s redeveloped main strip. Ahoy’s Erin Molloy said work with the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River had secured the street closure needed to bring “a party like no other” to the town. “We’ve been working in close consultation with the Shire and so many local venues to create events that reflect a true partnership and will provide guests to the region with a taste of the spectacular wine, produce and destination that we enjoy year-round,” she said. “The event is very much a ‘wine and food’ event – rather than a food and wine event – and we’re so excited to share the inaugural program. “In really exciting news, to wrap up the four-day festival, the Margaret River main street will be closed for a free community celebration bringing together the elements of Pair’d – wine, food, music and more, for a party like no other.” Shire sustainable economy and communities director Nick Byrne said the local government was fully on board as a festival partner. “I have heard fond recollections countless times from community members about the last street party held on our main street, so we’re thrilled to be partnering with Pair’d to bring it back this year,” he said. “This year’s theme will centre on saying thanks to everyone in our community who contribute to the summer peak season – from hospitality workers to tour operators, and our patient residents who share our region with visitors during this time.” Behind-the-scenes programming since the festival was announced in April has cooked up a rich offering headlined by “icon events” and featuring a blend of the region’s talent with major headliners including Blur bassist and renowned foodie Alex James. The cheese and winemaker who already had a fondness for the region will be joined by top international chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. Jonny Lake, the former head chef at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, and Perth-raised grill wizard Dave Pynt from Burnt Ends Singapore, plus Kyle Connaughton from SingleThread, a three-Michelin starred restaurant and biodynamic farm in California, and world-renowned sommelier Isa Bal will show off their expertise and experience alongside the best of the South West’s chefs and wine producers. “It’s a gourmet heaven,” James said. “A vibrant food culture with independent producers, growers and makers everywhere you look. “All that sunshine gives everything so much flavour.” James will spin records at Margaret’s Beach Club, a pop-up venue at Castle Bay, alongside Café Del Mar DJ Ken Fan and local sommelier Cyndal Petty during the festival, running from November 14 to 17. Pair’d highlights include a long table lunch in the Tanah Marah Forest curated by David Zilber, Ben Ing and Paul Iskov — all three chefs have worked at Noma, the Copenhagen institution ranked as the best restaurant in the world on five occasions. Other local culinary stars taking part include Mal Chow from Chow’s Table, Aaron Carr from Yarri in Dunsborough, Jed Gerrard from Wills Domain, Ben Jacob from Lagoon in Yallingup and de’scendent’s Evan Hayter. “An exclusive group of diners are in for a treat as we present the Sushi m Omakase Dinners on Thursday, November 14 and Friday, November 15,” Hayter said. “We’re teaming up with our friends from renowned omakase and edomae restaurant, Sushi m Tokyo, to host two collaboration dinners at our new restaurant de’sendent in Margaret River. “Chef Junya Hashimoto crafts refined sushi that has a distinct sense of place, and sommelier Yoshinobu Kimura seamlessly pairs local and world wines – as well as sake – with cuisine,” Hayter said. “The Burch family of Margaret River’s Howard Park Wines has generously opened its private cellars for these two dinners, providing access to some extremely rare old-world wines.” Elsewhere, established wine brands Cullen, Xanadu, Voyager Estate and Vasse Felix will present a “grand tasting” at Howard Park Wines while the “new wave” of Margaret River producers, including LS Merchants and South by South West, congregate at Skigh Wines in Yallingup on November 16. Origin Series, an umbrella festival within the festival, will see events ranging from wine tastings on a catamaran, desserts paired with vintage wines, and art classes held at 15 different venues. Tourism minister Rita Saffioti said Pair’d would celebrate WA culture and attract visitors from interstate. She described the homegrown event as a “four-day festival where adventure meets indulgence”. “We really look forward to welcoming those visitors to this fantastic new annual event, especially those who can take advantage of the direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Busselton Margaret River Airport,” Saffioti said. Pre-sale tickets go on sale from August 1 with general tickets available from August 5. Prices range from free up to $750 per person. The full 2024 program can be found at pairdmargaretriver.com.