The Melbourne Tomato Festival could be on its way to Yarraville after organisers pitched their case for the event to be held locally.
Backers of the annual celebration of all things tomato, led by celebrated chef and restaurateur Guy Grossi, are seeking approval to relocate the event to Yarraville Gardens next March.
The one-day festival could host up to 5500 people and feature entertainment, wine and food stands, cooking demonstrations and competitions.
Melbourne-born Grossi has penned a number of cookbooks and owns several restaurants, including the iconic Grossi Florentino on Bourke Street.
He has been recognised with the prestigious L’insegna Del Ristorante Italiano for promoting “La Cucina Italiana”.
An officer’s report due to be considered at last night’s Maribyrnong council meeting suggested the festival would be a positive addition to the council’s Festival City and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – Eat Drink Westside programs.
“The festival is an opportunity to work closely with local restaurants, bars and provedores to encourage participation and to support investment in our local economy,” it stated. “The Tomato Festival offers a great opportunity to activate our city for both locals and visitors and promote our city to a new audience.”
The festival, entering its third year, has been held in Eltham for the past two years. The event would require fencing off the southern half of Yarraville Gardens for three days.
