Tunarama To Bring Thousands To Port Lincoln
Around 25,000 are expected to descend upon the ‘seafood capital of Australia’ for the annual Tunarama Festival held this long weekend in Port Lincoln from Friday to Monday.
In its 59th year, Tunarama offers a bevy of attractions and activities including the iconic ‘Tuna Toss’ competition which was created in 1979 to pay tribute to the historic local rivalry about who was best fit to work on fishing boats. Tunarama is sponsored by the State Government through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Regional Events and Festivals Program – and has been since 2008/09.
Premier Steven Marshall said the State Government is proud to support what is a showcase event for the region and its produce.
“Tourism is the economic backbone for our regions – latest figures show it contributes $385 million to the Eyre Peninsula and directly employs 1,800 people,” said Mr Marshall.
“Events like Port Lincoln’s Tunarama motivate people to visit for the festivities and provide an opportunity to showcase local attractions and produce which continue to attract visitors long after the party is over.”
South Australian Tourism Commission Chief Executive, Rodney Harrex said Tunarama is an iconic event on the state’s regional tourism calendar.
“Over 25,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival and it’s events like Tunarama that get people out of the city and into our regions, spending with local businesses and buying local produce,” said Mr Harrex.
“Through the Regional Events and Festivals Program funding, Tunarama organisers have been able to promote the event not only intrastate, but also interstate – helping to make the festival bigger and better each year.”
The official opening of the Bendigo Bank 2020 Tunarama Festival will be held at 4pm on Friday 24 January in the event’s main space, the Spencer Gulf King Prawn’s Eyre Square.
The Eyre Square and Port Lincoln’s foreshore are set to become a licensed area showcasing local seafood, meats and craft beers. The ticketed Ausfood Alliance Best of Eyre Dinner will offer food and wine lovers the best of the Eyre Peninsula’s local produce, prepared by talented local chefs and paired with award-winning local wines.
Entertainment is provided for all ages with a ‘Candy Land’ for children featuring a ‘jaffa ball pit’ and ‘milk bottle alley’, and a main stage with live music and entertainment throughout the festival.
On Sunday 26 January, Port Lincoln skies will come alive with the Optus Fireworks display near the town jetty.
For more information, go to www.tunarama.net