Lane Cove Council has confirmed that Food and Wine by the River, the riverside festival that has drawn thousands of visitors to Burns Bay Reserve each November, will not return this year.
The event has been the centrepiece of Council’s annual Festival by the River program, pairing regional winemakers (from the Mudgee region) with food stalls, live music and family entertainment on the banks of the Lane Cove River.
In its earlier years the festival showcased wines from the Orange region and was held at Tambourine Bay Reserve, drawing crowds reported at more than 3,400 people in a single day, before later editions moved to Burns Bay Reserve and grew to host around 20 wineries and producers.
Confirming the decision, Lane Cove Council’s Manager Communications and Cultural Programs, Sarah Corry, said the festival no longer aligned with Council’s strategic priorities.
“Food and Wine by the River will not be returning this year. Following a review of our events program, Council made the decision that the festival no longer aligned with the goals of our Community Strategic Plan. While it was a much-loved event, we’ve seen declining attendance over recent years, and we’ve chosen to redirect our focus and investment towards events with broader community appeal – ones that foster a sense of belonging and create spaces where everyone can thrive, regardless of age, background or ability,” Sarah Corry said.
Sarah Corry also said the shift also reflects work underway on Council’s Cultural Plan, which is due for renewal this financial year.
“Our focus is also to align with our Cultural Plan, which Council is renewing this financial year, and the community will have the opportunity to contribute to our vision for culture in the area,” she said.
“And there’s plenty still to look forward to locally, with a new event planned for Burns Bay Reserve in November.”
Council has not yet released details of the new event, including its name, format or date. Further details are expected to be published on Council’s website ahead of November.
Over the last couple of years the Food and Wine Festival has been plagued by wet weather, with rain in the morning and then clearing by around midday.
In the Cove has covered this event every year since it was introuduced and when we have interviewed attendees, many of them have not been from the Lane Cove Council area.
Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan
Lane Cove Council is currently seeking community consultation on the Burns Bay Reserve Draft Masterplan. Submissions closes on Thursday 10 September 2026.
Complete the online survey or send a written submission to [email protected] with the subject: SU9543 Draft Burns Bay Reserve Masterplan.
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