Day two of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' Food & Wine Festival is shining brilliantly under clear blue skies.
Inside the gates (9 September), dozens of food and drink stalls showcase their wares. From gnocchi to bubble tea and everything in between, there's something for everyone.Following your nose leads you straight to the fire pit, where Toowoomba's Paddock Butchery are firing up delectable, mouthwatering mounds of pineapples, peppers and, of course, the finest quality beef. Smoke streams from the cookers, and it's hard to stay behind the fence with food smelling this good.
At Farm to Fork, Masterchef legend Justine Schofield is preparing seamless, stunning meals, with a side serving of humorous anecdotes. The former, self-confessed unsuccessful security camera sales executive showcases why sales' loss is our gain, cooking up a zucchini, pine nut crema pasta that feels like strolling down the streets of Calabria.
The main stage swings with the sweet cover tunes of local artists, keeping the party mood high. Andre Fenner brings disco funk into the limelight, and with the sweet taste of a local verdelho in our mouths, it's time to shine those dancing shoes.
The Paddock Butchery are back at Farm to Fork showcasing the impressive Thor's Hammer osso bucco cut. They spin together a pico de galle and an award-winning chocolate mole featuring curvature chocolate. They share stories of the early days of their partnership serving up $5.95 roasts at Toowoomba City Golf Club to now running The Paddock Butchery and local restaurant The Plate.
At the main stage, Cool Nights Big Band thrash out classics 'Let Me Entertain You' and 'Dancin In The Street'.
Pechey Distillers showcase fantastic vodka and gin, which leaves everyone smiling and thirsty for more. Their 1868 vodka is a standout paired with Crows Nest Ginger Beer.
Hamilton Band kick off the line-up of original bands and the party is officially started. 'September' starts the crowd moving as frontman Lai Hamilton brings the swing, hitting notes so high it's surprising there's any glass left unbroken.
Chocolate Starfish take over the main stage and instantly bring the crowd to a new level. They thrash out covers with skilled musicianship and the night is set alight. 'You're So Vain' has never sounded so good.
Far too soon, the set ends, but fear not, Hoodoo Gurus are here, just when you thought today couldn't get any better. Frontman Dave Faulkner is wearing a shimmering purple shirt that catches the eye as red lights stream out over the jubilant crowd.
Brad Shepherd plays harmonica like his life depends on it, and this crowd ain't going anywhere. 'Kamikaze Pilot' really gets the crowd swaying, before the iconic 'What's My Scene' is every bit worth waiting for, ending the night in nostalgic, joyous fashion.
A perfect day, it's hard to believe we still have yet another day to enjoy the wonderful Food & Wine Festival. Can life get better than this?
Day Three of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' Food & Wine Festival is kicking off with characteristically stunning weather. The beer tasting starts off the day nicely with 4 Brothers Brewing's alcoholic ginger beer going down a treat.
At Farm to Fork, The Paddock Butchery are serving up hefty helpings of meat smoking advice and mouthwatering brisket. Their cheese pastry puffs are delectable.
Child-friendly activities abound with flower-crown making and The Cubby House offering games and activities to keep the little ones entertained for hours.
The Fobonacci Band are energetically bringing the mood up with hits like 'Feel Like A Woman'. They bring on multiple local guests and the party has started.
Balancing Hearts Winery have paired up with Bunya Cheeses for a delectable tasting that leaves the crowd running for the cheese tent to snap up the truffle blend quicker than you can say 'cheese'. The Balancing Hearts Winery rosé slides down easier than it probably should. Their environmentally preservative ethos is clear, and the wine is delightfully full-bodied.
The Dreams Show – Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Tribute commences with a dark, ethereal opening of haunting vocals. Frontwoman Nikki Canale's vocals are freakishly close to Nicks' and how can you not love hearing Fleetwood Mac's most iconic songs live with a wine in hand?!
Their 'Landslide' rendition is beautifully touching, soaring to a pinnacle of vocal harmony that is exceptional. Drummer Matt Skea comes front of stage and taps his belly humorously in time with a kickdrum playing over the speakers.
'World Turning' is riotous and fun, and the crowd are really into it now. 'Rhiannon' sends them into space, as cheers ring out through the crowd. 'Edge Of Seventeen' soars and you could listen to the band all night. Guitarist Wayne Daniels is a true virtuoso.
It is now time for Eurogliders, who grab the festival with both hands, shake it up and don't let go. Frontwoman Grace Knight sings and sways energetically, you can't help being swept up in her enthusiasm.
"I was in Tokyo last night," she says, shockingly. She certainly doesn't perform like someone who just got off seven-hour flight. Their songs are instantly singable and likeable. They're a real highlight of the festival.
As the sun sets, it's time to tackle some of the delicious food on offer. From brisket to naan and pizza to burgers, there is everything in between.
The leading man, Jon Stevens, enters the fray in true rock style, belting out notes higher than the sky. His set rolls through classic after classic from INXS to Noiseworks, and the patrons are back to their dancing best.
The band is impeccably tight, and sounding amazing. 'Never Tear Us Apart' is always a highlight with the saxophone bursting at the seams. A short cover of Bob Marley's 'Is This Love' gives a little reggae flavour, while 'Don't Change' is a truly special festival moment.
He closes with 'Take Me Back' and that's how we feel, wishing we could go back to the start of an incredible weekend of fine food, delicious drinks, many laughs and new friends.
As always, the Food & Wine Festival has left us truly satisfied, but still waiting patiently for the next brilliant instalment.
