MOREE again takes centre stage today, with the 2026 Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival returning to town.

Now in its 22nd year, the festival at Moree racecourse has become one of regional Australia’s best-known food and wine events, attracting thousands of visitors to Moree to celebrate the region’s agricultural strength, boutique producers and growing food culture.

Gates swing back at 10am, with organisers promising a full day of food, wine, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations and family activities.

Moree on a Plate president Rebecca McMillan said the annual event continued to showcase the region’s strong gate-to-plate culture and the connection local producers have with the land.

“We are so lucky to know our farmers, see first-hand the provenance of our food, and be assured that it is produced safely, ethically, and tastes the best,” Ms McMillan said.

Originally established to showcase the produce of the north-west plains, Moree on a Plate has evolved into a major tourism drawcard for the region while maintaining its focus on local growers, food makers and artisans.

More than 50 exhibitors from across regional New South Wales and Queensland will attend today’s event, offering everything from pecans, olives, honey and citrus through to boutique spirits, wines, gourmet meals and artisan products.

Exhibitors this year include Pally Pecans, Grove Juice, Black Snake Distillery, Tara Distillery, Toppers Wines, The Folly Truffles, Brooker Trading Co and Winding Road Distilling Co.

The festival will again feature celebrity chef demonstrations, with internationally recognised chef and television presenter Warren Mendes at the festival today

Mendes, known for his SBS food-and-travel series Food Trail: South Africa and his award-winning cookbook Food Trail South Africa, will conduct live cooking demonstrations using local produce.

Peter Birch cooks up a paella feast at Moree on a Plate last year.

Festival organisers said Mendes’ passion for fresh ingredients and food provenance make him an ideal fit for the Moree event.

Over the years, Moree on a Plate has welcomed a string of high-profile culinary guests, including Fast Ed Halmagyi, Marion Grasby, Ben O’Donoghue, Lyndey Milan and Matt Golinski.

Today’s festival also includes the popular Mixed Grill barbecue competition, where local teams compete for the title of Moree’s barbecue champion.

Moree on a Plate always draws strong support from corporate and local businesses, with Port of Newcastle, Grove Juice, National Ag Solutions Moree Plains Shire, Westpac Bank, Payne’s Electrical Services, Moree Race Club and Moree Real Estate sponsoring the event this year.

Family entertainment remains a key part of the festival, with Kids’ Korner again featuring face-painting, jumping castles, craft activities, photo booths and interactive workshops.

Live entertainment from local musicians and performers, including Jac Lillyman, will resonate across the festival grounds, creating what organisers describe as a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.

Moree Plains Shire Council has again backed the event, contributing a $5000 grant to support this year’s festival.

Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse said the event continues to showcase the district’s producers, businesses and community spirit.

“Moree on a Plate is renowned as an event which always delights families and this year will be no different,” Cr Pearse said.

The festival has also built a reputation as an important community fundraiser.

Since its inception in 2004, Moree on a Plate has donated more than $70,000 to local organisations and community groups through raffles, fundraising activities and donations.

Beneficiaries over the years have included Moree District Hospital, Moree PCYC, Moree Women’s Refuge, Meals on Wheels, Moree Scout Group, Moree Arts Community Theatre, Moree Cancer Support Group, Country Education Foundation of Moree and Moree and District Historical Society.

Organisers say local schools and community groups also benefit annually through fundraising opportunities at the event.

The festival’s emphasis on local produce and food provenance has remained central to its success.

Moree on a Plate

When: Saturday May 9, 2026

Where: Moree racecourse

Time: 10am until 3.30pm

Cost: Gold Coin donation at the gate