Long lunch the cherry on top

Organisers are calling the 15th annual Manjimup Cherry Harmony Festival a success after thousands of people from throughout the State gathered to join in on the revelry.

Between 7000-8000 people braved temperatures which reached the high 30s to browse markets and taste the region’s produce.

Festival coordinator Rose Moyle said it would be hard to quantify how much money was spent in the region but the economic benefits were “huge” with an estimated $45,000 spent just on cherries – 3000kg of them – during the weekend.

Highlights throughout Saturday included the cherry pip spitting competition, the grand parade, crowning of Mr and Mr Cherry Blossom, log chop events and more.

The night finished with a concert featuring live music from Jodi Boni, Short & Curly, The Riders and the Rocksmythes.

Festival coordinator Pam Bodsworth said the overall response to the event had been “very positive” with guest chef Don Hancey and gardener Sabrina Hahn keen to return next year.

“Thanks to the committee, community, volunteers, sponsors and guests for their hard work, without them none of this would be possible.”

Mrs Bodsworth said the official debrief following the festival would be coming up soon, when organisers and interested parties got together to discuss what worked and what didn’t.

“We’ll look at what areas can be improved on,” she said.

”We’re always looking at ways we can make the festival bigger and better and we can’t wait for next year’s event.”

More pictures from the Cherry Harmony Festival