One of Oamaru's biggest events, the annual wine and food festival, will be on again next year and returning to its roots with an emphasis on food, wine and local entertainment.
The festival, held for the past 13 years, was in doubt after its organising committee resigned en masse earlier this year.
The event now has a new committee as well as a new co-ordinator, Matt Haywood, who are taking it back to the original format that made it what committee chairman Mark Julius described as "one of the best loved festivals in New Zealand".
In the past few years, the festival has attracted stars such as Gin Wigmore and Holly Smith, but the financial and logistical resources needed to run a festival of that size had become too great for a small group of volunteers.
"The simpler format will revolve around expanded food and wine demonstrations and a mainly local flavour to the music programme," he said.
Wine glasses would return, with a plastic option available. Single wine-bottle sales would also be allowed.
"Ticket prices have reduced significantly with presales for adults only $15, which includes a wine glass, and $20 for gate sales. Tickets will be limited to 2000 and be available early December."
There would be a limit of 40 stalls, with a balance of food, wine, boutique beers and coffee, with smaller portions to encourage more tasting.
Already confirmed for cooking demonstrations were award-winning chefs Bevan Smith, from Riverstone Kitchen, and Fleur Sullivan, from Fleurs and Loan and Merc, and Otago Daily Times wine and food editor Charmian Smith matching wines and other demonstrations. The Master Chef mobile kitchen would host cooking demonstrations.
Barry Saunders, of the Wellington band the Warratahs, would feature along with local acts, and there would be children's activities as well.
The Oamaru Farmers Market, held every Sunday, would be promoted.
