The Woolgoolga Curry Fest is a tradition every year; thousands of people have converged on the beautiful seaside village of Woolgoolga. They are drawn from near and far to honour the unique cultural heritage, music and cuisine of the area in a celebration known as “Curryfest”. Curryfest celebrates Woolgoolga’s unique Punjabi heritage. Held in the September/ October school holidays – check the official website for this year’s date.
The Curryfest Market Day results in the picturesque wide main street of the town closing to traffic and being lined with 120 food and market stalls. The whole town gets behind the event with local retailers hosting a “Crazy Curry Sale” and the hospitality sector getting creative with some signature curry creations.
A large main stage occupies an adjacent street where a wide variety of cultural entertainment is on show from the start to close of the festival. The beach reserve, which overlooks the sparkling Pacific Ocean and pristine main beach of the town, is also ringed with food and market stalls creating a perfect Chill out Zone where people can sit at tables and chairs or on picnic blankets and watch buskers, school and special interest groups on the Community Stage. There is a dedicated Kids Zone, where family friendly priced rides and entertainment keep the young and young at heart occupied all day. The community spirit is strong in this special little town, local yoga teachers and Indian healers’ share their knowledge and expertise free of charge all day in the Yoga and Meditation zone where those seeking their “dhyana” (zen) can visit for as little or as long as they want. The community involvement continues with the local Scouts, Fire and Rescue and Surf Life Saving Groups all doing their bit with safety demonstrations and fun and games for everyone to join in.
The future for Curryfest is a bright one. Industry experts Australia wide have publicly heralded the uniqueness and authentic ties to the local community as pillars which will ensure the success of Curryfest for many years to come.
