mmg.com.au

Moore St businesses will receive a welcome boost in April with the news the street will be host to a music, food and wine festival.

The ‘Food, Wine and Music on Moore’ festival, on Sunday, April 28, is intended to showcase district musicians and promote local wine and produce, as well as improve the morale and trade of the street’s hospitality businesses.

The news comes as the results of a Committee 4 Rochester survey, released last week, revealed Rochester residents would like to see more community events and activities in the town in the next 10 to 15 years.

The initiative was born from discussions between Moore St business owners from Kits Kafe, Bernie’s Wine Bar, the Rochester Hotel and the Shamrock Hotel.

All four businesses will host various musicians on the day.

The Shamrock Hotel’s Ian Crouch said the idea came about two weeks ago.

Mr Crouch’s vision for the festival is a relaxed family-oriented afternoon with fine food, wine and music.

‘‘We don’t get much entertainment (in Rochester) or exposure... for our local upcoming musicians,’’ Mr Crouch said.

‘‘We also want to promote some local wine and produce.

‘‘Everything sort of revolves around Echuca and a lot of people travel to Echuca to the music festival (there).

‘‘So if we can capture the local support in Rochy, it will be beneficial for everybody.’’

Mr Crouch said events in Rochester were historically limited to one premise and this was the first time businesses had banded together to create an event.

He said if it was successful, the festival could potentially be an annual event.

Three district music acts have already put their hands up to take part in the event, but more are being sought.

Mr Crouch said the festival committee would have its first meeting this week.

To get involved in the festival as a musician, see Mr Crouch at the Shamrock Hotel.