The return of the Norwood Food & Wine Festival will deliver a major economic boost for the local community as the state’s food, wine and produce are showcased along The Parade as part of this year’s AFL Gather Round.

The Norwood Food & Wine Festival returns for the first time since 2012 with a fresh, vibrant ‘festival of footy’ atmosphere and a major headline act – multi-ARIA award winning indie rock band The Temper Trap.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said:

“We know how much local and visiting footy fans loved Gather Round last year, and now we’re making it even bigger,” says Premier Malinauskas.

“South Australians will well remember the Norwood Food & Wine Festival. Now, in the context of Gather Round, it becomes a prime opportunity to showcase our state’s amazing food and wine to the rest of the country, amidst music and roving entertainment. It will be fun, free to enter and the perfect celebration of our state and what it shares with the world.”

Known for their smash hits including ‘Sweet Disposition’, ‘Love Lost’ and ‘Fader’, The Temper Trap will headline an expansive lineup of live entertainment throughout the festival and will be joined by local musicians including the Dusty Lee Band and Motel Music.

The Temper Trap’s Dougy Mandagi said the band looked forward to performing at the Norwood Food & Wine Festival.

“We love coming to South Australia – a state that loves festivals, having good times and of course footy,” says Dougy.

“We’ve done some really cool things with the AFL over the years and we are excited to continue that by playing in Norwood during Gather Round. See you there.”

The precinct’s bars, cafes and restaurants will be joined by some of the state’s best wine, beer and spirit producers for an afternoon of festivities in true South Australian style.

Footy and festival fans are set to gather along a significant length of The Parade, from Portrush Road to Osmond Terrace, from 11am to 8pm on Sunday 7 April, coinciding with the second of two matches at Norwood Oval when Richmond take on St Kilda.

The reimagined festival is free to enter, with AFL games broadcast on big screens along The Parade and within venues.

Participating local traders include fan favourites arkhé, The Bath Hotel, 30 Acres, Norwood Hotel, and Danny’s Thai Bistro, offering everything from fresh seafood to charcoal fired dishes, lavish desserts and unique cocktails.

The Bath Hotel owner Tony Franzon says the venue is delighted to be part of this year’s Norwood Food & Wine Festival and expects The Parade to be buzzing as it unfolds.

“Events like this are so important for local traders. We saw the boost that Norwood’s two Gather Round games delivered last year – and now, with further focus and investment, we hope that benefit will grow even further,” says Mr Franzon.

Other premium South Australian producers, produce and venues will be showcased including South Australian wineries from across the state, Fair Seafood, Pirate Life and other bespoke breweries and 23rd Street Distillery and other regional distillers. The Norwood Food & Wine Festival will also feature a Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel cooking demonstration stage hosted by celebrity chef Callum Hann.

The inaugural AFL Gather Round contributed more than $83 million to the South Australian economy, generated over 150,000 visitor nights, and saw 268,000 fans attend matches including more than 40,000 people from interstate.