Shore Leave 2022 opens to showcase the best of what Geraldton and the Mid West has to offer

The second Shore Leave festival has arrived, showcasing the best of the region’s produce, culture, hospitality and tourism, and it’s estimated more than 2000 visitors have flocked to Geraldton to savour the four-day event. The festival was officially launched on Wednesday night, with a smorgasbord of events and activities on offer until Sunday. One of the marquee events from last year was back bigger than ever, with hundreds of people travelling to the Abrolhos Islands by air or sea on Thursday for a magical long-table lunch experience. Tourism Minister and Deputy Premier Roger Cook said the event provided the Geraldton and Mid West region an opportunity to “say to the world ‘we are her, we are proud, and we want to show you what a prolific community we are’.” “Whether it’s the pristine environment, the dark sky which is a wonder to people across the world, whether it’s an opportunity to really soak up the culture which is here in this great community, the culinary treats, the beautiful opportunities to sit down and enjoy the hospitality . . . this is also a statement about who we are.” The State Government first started working with stakeholders on developing a seafood festival for Geraldton about three years ago, with Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan saying she was thrilled the event had been such a success. The festival has secured State Government funding for three years. The opening night also saw a welcome to country smoking ceremony as well as entertainment from Aboriginal dancers and musicians. “It is just such a tremendous celebration of the fishing culture, the produce, and the maritime nature of this town at a time when Geraldton and the Mid West are at their most beautiful,” Ms MacTiernan said. “The Shore Leave festival is well and truly meeting its core aim of bringing people to the Mid West to share both the cultural and culinary diversity it celebrates.” Fisheries Minister Don Punch said the celebration was expected to put about $2.7 million back into the Geraldton economy. “Shore Leave is about taking time out and really exploring everything Geraldton has to offer,” he said. “I have heard of the back of boat lobster sales coming up down at the wharf, but just so many different aspects of Geraldton come out at the Shore Leave festival.” Mr Punch said he expected the festival would continue to get bigger and better into the future. “Really good events like this just grow, and they get a reputation and people want to become a part of it,” he said. “Where else can you go to a place like the Abrolhos and have lunch on the beach, and not just lunch but an absolutely terrific exploration of seafood? I think it is something unique to Geraldton and it is just going to grow into the future.”