Market stalls will line the banks of the majestic harbourside park, with 30 best Mudgee wineries and gourmet food producers offering tastings of their finest drops, and most succulent fare, accompanied by local art, live music and entertainment for all the family.

“This festival is a wonderful feature on the City of Sydney’s annual event calendar, bringing produce from Mudgee in the Central West of NSW to one of our premier dining precincts,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“This weekend’s showcase event in Pirrama Park mixes the very best of both Pyrmont and Mudgee, with wine tasting, delicious gourmet food and local art and entertainment by the water’s edge.”

Entry to the Pirrama Park celebration is free and includes the annual Pyrmont Art Prize exhibition. This year the theme is “small is beautiful”. More than 300 artworks by local artists on tiny canvases will be on sale.

There will be an exhibition of artworks by children from six local primary schools, and a group of artists from the Mudgee region will also create a sculpture garden.

This year, more than 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the 10-day festival from 17-26 May, including the Pirrama Park event. Other events include wine-matched breakfasts and dinners, long lunches, cheese and wine tastings and art exhibitions supported by participating local businesses.

Mike O’Malley, Pyrmont Festival Event Director for the Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association, said the Mudgee producers enjoyed interacting with the local community during the festival and introducing them to their wares.

“The festival gives us a chance to showcase the best of the Mudgee region in many ways,” Mr O’Malley said.

“The public response has been really enthusiastic, we’re seeing bigger crowds at the events each year. We’re also starting to see visitors from Pyrmont visiting Mudgee as a result of meeting us in their own backyard, and that’s very satisfying for us.”

The City’s Try2Wheels will also be there in full swing, with free valet bike parking, bike mechanics, route-planning advice and a multitude of bikes including new e-bikes to try.

The festival is hosted by the Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association, and supported by the City with a $20,000 sponsorship.

Pyrmont Festival of Wine, Food and Art – Pirrama Park celebration

DATE: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May, 2013

TIME: 11am-5pm

WHERE: Pirrama Park – Pirrama Road, Pyrmont

COST: Free entry

Free bike parking will be available on site.

Pyrmont Festival of Wine, Food and Art Highlights:

Friday 17 May 7am-9am

Breakfast on Pyrmont Bay at Doltone House

Come and celebrate the opening of the Pyrmont Festival of Wine, Food and Art with a breakfast at Doltone House Darling Island Wharf, Pyrmont. Guests will be treated to a glass of Huntington Estate sparkling wine from the Mudgee wine-growing region, accompanied by a sumptuous Italian breakfast with executive chef James Kidman. Cost is $45 per person, with bookings essential at info@doltonehouse.com.au or on 02 8571 0622.

Sunday 19 and 26 May 3pm-6pm

Live Music at Yots Café at the Australian National Maritime Museum

Enjoy a menu of High Valley wine and Mudgee-produced cheese for an afternoon of relaxation to wind down the weekend, complete with free live music on the marina. No booking required.

Wednesday 22 May

Mudgee Wine dinner at NSW TAFE’s The Apprentice

Experience the future of fine dining in Sydney as Ultimo college’s ‘rising stars’ design, prepare and serve a five-star meal, with wine matching by Short Sheep Wines and Elliott Rocke Wines. Cost is $60 per person, with bookings essential on 02 9217 5527.

For the full program, visit: pyrmontfestival.com.au

For more information, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Adviser Jodie Minus.

Phone 0467 803 815 or email jminus@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Matt Levinson 0427 044 768 or mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

This event is presented by Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce and proudly supported by the City of Sydney, IGA ‘How the Locals Like it’, Mudgee Region Tourism Inc. , Central NSW Tourism, Mid-Western Council, City News, City Hub, Bondi View, Inner West Independent, Mudgee Wine Grape Growers Association and The Star.