After a three-year COVID-enforced hiatus and another setback due to the October 2022 floods, there is some good news for Tastes of the Goulburn.
Self-described “light at the end of the tunnel” and all-round funny guy Ben Sorensen has been announced as MC for the event.
“There’s trauma, and then there’s Ben, usually in my personal life it’s the other way around,” Mr Sorensen said with a laugh.
Mr Sorensen is a comedian, media personality and voice-over artist, who will bring his unique charm to hosting the festival.
He does his share of big city festivals and events, but regional Australia holds a special spot in his heart.
“I love these regional foodie festivals because I think there is something really wholesome, connected and fun about doing something that’s just out of town — it’s still accessible, but it’s quite the adventure,” he said.
Meeting primary producers and makers in the area is all part of the magic for Mr Sorensen.
“I love the concept that we still have these cottage-ish industries of unique products that I can’t just go to any supermarket and get,” he said.
“Part of that [magic] is the whole discovery process, walking through not knowing, but knowing that you will buy something you can’t get anywhere else.”
With an amazing line-up of cooking demonstrations and local music to enjoy, Mr Sorensen was hard-pressed to pick what he was most excited about.
“Not only can I hear and party along with the entertainment, but I can also buy food and sit there and eat and drink while listening to said entertainment — I reckon it’s going to be wild,” he said.
But the chance to get to the festival via steam train is what has really got Mr Sorensen excited.
“I said yes even before they told me about the steam train,” he said.
“There is literally no other food festival you can get to via steam train — I would have done it if there was.”
Tastes of the Goulburn will be held on Saturday, April 29, at Station St, Seymour.